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Week 8 saw a ton of signal-callers enter the injury headlines, but there is also a group of key pass-catchers who were dinged up on Sunday. Our fantasy football injuries report highlights the banged-up players with fantasy significance and their early status heading into Week 9 as of Monday, October 30, 2023. This article focuses on players who suffered injuries on Sunday of Week 8 games.
Kirk Cousins, Matthew Stafford, Kenny Pickett, Drake London, Darren Waller, and more picked up injuries in Week 8. It's too early to draw conclusions about Week 9 since these players just picked up ailments, but it's never too early to at least take a look at the group of key guys to prepare for waiver wire Wednesday or Thursday.
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Kirk Cousins Injury Update
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is feared to have suffered a torn Achilles tendon during Sunday's win over the Green Bay Packers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The veteran signal-caller will undergo an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. If the injury is confirmed, Cousins will miss the remainder of the 2023 season, delivering another blow to a Minnesota offense that is already without Justin Jefferson (hamstring).
Losing Cousins would leave the Vikings with rookie Jaren Hall at quarterback, but they could certainly make an external addition via free agency or the trade market. It's worth noting that the trade deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 4 p.m. EST.
Matthew Stafford Injury Update
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (right thumb) exited during the third quarter of Week 8 versus the Dallas Cowboys. He did not return. At the time of his departure, the veteran signal-caller had completed 13 of 22 passes for 162 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Brett Rypien will lead the Los Angeles offense until Stafford is able to return. Further updates will come in on Monday.
Kenny Pickett Injury Update
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) was forced to exit their Week 8 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to rib injury after getting taken down hard after getting rid of the ball. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, his status is now "up in the air" for their Week 9 matchup against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night.
The Steelers are going to wait until Monday to see how he feels before they make any decisions moving forward. If Week 8 was any indicator, Mitch Trubisky would likely take over if Pickett can't suit up and Mason Rudolph would be the backup.
Drake London Injury Update
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (groin) was forced to leave early during the Week 8 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. The young wideout was hit hard during the third quarter. At first glance, it looked like a head or rib issue, but London has been diagnosed with a groin injury. He was seen on the sideline warming up, but never returned to the contest.
He finished his day with five receptions on seven targets for 55 yards in the loss. Fantasy managers will have to wait and see if this injury is going to force him to miss time. Otherwise, London has been able to provide WR3 lately, but that could change if quarterback Desmond Ridder (concussion) isn't able to play in Week 9.
Darren Waller Injury Update
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (hamstring) was ruled out early of Sunday's game against the New York Jets. He entered Week 8 with a lingering hamstring injury and appears to have re-aggravated it. This is a crushing blow for the Giants, whose offense had been running through the veteran tight end in recent weeks.
The 31-year-old had one catch on two targets prior to his departure.
Kendrick Bourne Injury Update
UPDATE: Bourne suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2023 season.
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) will get an MRI on Monday. The wideout injured his right knee during the Week 8 meeting with the Dolphins and didn't return. He's had a good 2023-24 campaign, so fantasy managers hope the ailment won't keep him out for the remainder of the year. Fortunately, the team is optimistic Bourne avoided anything serious.
But if the 28-year-old misses time, it could mean more targets for Hunter Henry, Demario Douglas, and JuJu Smith-Schuster. DeVante Parker (head), who also left Sunday's contest with a head injury, would also benefit, assuming he doesn't join Bourne on the shelf.
Joshua Palmer Injury Update
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (knee) made three catches in a Week 8 win over the Chicago Bears. Palmer was targeted four times and made the three grabs for 24 yards. He left the game after aggravating his knee injury, and was seen after the game, "walking with a significant limp in the locker room".
He told reporters that he wouldn't know the extent of the injury until Monday, after more tests were run. He should be considered questionable at best for next week against the New York Jets.
Desmond Ridder Injury Update
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (head) exited Week 8 versus the Tennessee Titans to be evaluated for a concussion. Taylor Heinicke took over as the Falcons' signal-caller in his absence.
Prior to his departure, Ridder totaled 71 passing yards, 26 rushing yards, and zero touchdowns in the first half while taking five sacks and losing a fumble. It has been a rough year for the Cincinnati product who now has seven turnovers (including four lost fumbles) over his last two-and-a-half games.
DeVante Parker Injury Update
New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker (head) didn't return to Sunday's AFC East clash with the Miami Dolphins. The wideout had just one catch for 14 yards before suffering a controversial hit in the third quarter that ended his day.
It certainly wasn't good timing, considering the Patriots also lost Kendrick Bourne (knee). Nonetheless, Parker has dealt with head injuries in the past, so he might not suit up in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. Unfortunately, the 30-year-old hasn't done much from a production standpoint, meaning a potential absence won't impact fantasy managers much. (NFL.com)
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