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Deshaun Watson not practicing Wednesday, remains optimistic for Sunday
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (concussion) is not expected to practice on Wednesday after entering the NFL's concussion protocol this week, according to Scott Petrak of The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. However, head coach Todd Monken is not ruling Watson out, and he is optimistic that he will play on Sunday on the road against the New Orleans Saints, who are coming off their bye. Fantasy managers who have been using the 31-year-old veteran in two-QB superflex leagues should be formulating a backup plan for this week. If Watson cannot get cleared from the protocol by the start of the weekend, second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders would be in line for his first start of the 2026 season in a hostile environment against a well-rested Saints defense. We will be keeping a close eye on Watson's practice status this week, but so far, he is on the wrong side of questionable. Through the first eight weeks this year, Watson has been a serviceable QB2 in fantasy, throwing for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions to put him as the QB17 in overall fantasy points.
Source: The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak
Source: The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak
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Jets Planning on RB Timeshare if Breece Hall Returns in Week 9?
When asked about the backfield split if running back Breece Hall (quadriceps) returns in Week 9 to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said, "Both guys will play," per Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Hall has missed the last five contests with a quad injury, but he was limited in Wednesday's practice and is expected to make his return this weekend, just ahead of next Tuesday's trade deadline. The 25-year-old should get the green light to play, but with Braelon Allen performing like an RB1 in his absence, the Jets have a delicate situation on their hands if they do not end up trading Hall before Tuesday's deadline. Hall had his first 1,000-yard rushing season in 2025 and was rewarded with an extension in the offseason, but he has averaged a career-low 3.2 yards per carry for 163 rushing yards and one touchdown in three games played in 2026 before injuring his quad. Allen has earned a bigger role in New York's backfield going forward, even if Hall sticks on the roster. Going into Week 9, fantasy managers will have to temper expectations for both Hall and Allen if Hall is active, with both coming in on the RB2/3 borderline.
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Breece Hall limited at practice Wednesday
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (quadriceps) was limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to The Athletic's Zach Rosenblatt. The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on Monday that Hall was "good to go" and is expected to return from a five-game absence to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9 on Sunday. The 25-year-old might have to upgrade to a full practice on Thursday or Friday, though, to avoid a questionable tag going into the weekend. The Jets' backfield is a complicated situation with Hall still battling a quad injury and also rumored to be a trade candidate with the deadline quickly approaching on Tuesday. Backup Braelon Allen has performed like an RB1 in Hall's absence, too, so if the Jets do not trade Hall, he figures to see his fantasy ceiling lower while sharing more of the backfield workload. Head coach Aaron Glenn said that "both guys will play" when asked about the RB rotation this weekend if Hall returns. If Hall is active against the Chiefs in KC on Sunday, he should be considered more of an RB3/flex in fantasy lineups.
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Garrett Wilson in Concussion Protocol, Considered Day-to-Day
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (concussion) is in the league's concussion protocol this week and is considered day-to-day, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Fantasy managers will now need to keep a close eye on Wilson's practice status this week as the Jets prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs on the road this Sunday. If the 26-year-old is limited or out this weekend, both Adonai Mitchell and rookie first-rounder Omar Cooper Jr. could be must-starts in fantasy football lineups. Wilson caught six of his 12 targets for 83 yards in the Week 8 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, with his 12 targets being the second-highest total of the season. Meanwhile, Mitchell caught seven of nine targets for a career-high 142 yards and a touchdown in his second game back from a finger injury that landed him on Injured Reserve. Wilson has 43 receptions for 527 yards and three touchdowns in eight games so far in 2026 and will be a must-start in fantasy if he can clear the protocol and get the green light to play in a tough road matchup in Week 9.
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Emeka Egbuka running on side with trainer on Wednesday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (foot) was seen running on the side with a trainer during practice on Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Fantasy managers will have to check back a bit later for Egbuka's official practice status, but it is a good sign that he is doing something at practice as he tries to put an end to his two-game absence. He previously was dealing with a concussion as well, but he has since cleared the league's protocol and has a much better chance of playing this Sunday night in Chicago against the Bears. The 24-year-old former first-rounder from Ohio State has been Tampa's No. 1 receiver this year with Mike Evans in San Francisco, catching 28 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns in his six games played. However, the Buccaneers' offense has leaned heavily on the ground game in the last two weeks with Egbuka out, and it is fair for fantasy managers to wonder if that will continue if/when Egbuka returns. Right now, Egbuka should be considered a pretty shaky WR4/flex for Week 9 as he attempts to move past his lingering foot injury.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Shedeur Sanders Expected to Start Against Saints
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders is expected to start Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints if Deshaun Watson (concussion) cannot clear the league's protocol, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. The expectation around the team is that Watson may have difficulty receiving clearance by Saturday, although Cleveland has not officially named a starter. Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit during Sunday's 27-6 loss to Pittsburgh and passed his initial evaluations before reporting delayed concussion symptoms Tuesday morning. Sanders briefly replaced him against the Steelers, completing both passes for two yards. The 24-year-old started seven games as a rookie in 2025, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His limited NFL production makes him a risky fantasy option outside Superflex leagues, while a potential quarterback change introduces uncertainty for Harold Fannin Jr., Denzel Boston, and KC Concepcion Jr.
Source: Mary Kay Cabot
Source: Mary Kay Cabot
Jonathan Taylor Still Remains on Colts' Roster
When asked why the Indianapolis Colts would play running back Jonathan Taylor amid all the trade speculation surrounding him, head coach Shane Steichen said, "He's still on our football team," per Mike Chappell of FOX 59. Taylor looked emotional on the sideline after the team's blowout loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday, and speculation has been rampant that he will be the next to go as Indy continues their fire sale ahead of next Tuesday's trade deadline. The Colts are asking for a lot in return for the star RB, as they should, but there are likely at least a handful of contending teams that would love to acquire one of the best players at the position. The 27-year-old had a season-low eight carries for only 23 yards and caught four passes for 24 yards in Week 8, but he remains an elite, must-start RB1 in fantasy leagues going into this weekend's game at home against the Dallas Cowboys and their sketchy run defense. If Sunday is Taylor's last game with the Colts, he is going to want to go out in style. If he is traded before Tuesday's deadline, Seth McGowan would become the next man up in Indy as their RB1, so he has become a popular waiver-wire pickup.
Source: FOX 59 - Mike Chappell
Source: FOX 59 - Mike Chappell
Micah Parsons Slated for First Practice Since December
Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons (knee) is scheduled to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering a torn ACL and meniscus injury last December, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 27-year-old has spent the entire 2026 season on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from reconstructive knee surgery. Green Bay plans to ease Parsons back into action, beginning with individual drills before potentially progressing to team activities next week. Head coach Matt LaFleur has indicated the Packers will take a cautious approach, with November 25 against the Los Angeles Rams emerging as the reported target for his season debut. That timetable remains tentative, and Parsons is unlikely to face the New England Patriots on Sunday. The four-time All-Pro recorded 12.5 sacks in 14 games last season, and his eventual return would give Green Bay another proven pass-rushing threat.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
KC Concepcion Jr. Emerging as a Rising Fantasy Option in Cleveland
Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. has maintained a steady snap share as the season has progressed, playing 71.4 percent of snaps and running 28 routes per game. Concepcion has really thrived after the catch (YAC), ranking in the 82nd percentile, which has driven much of his production this season. While Concepcion has remained involved in the offense, he is not getting a ton of targets, nor has he been extremely efficient on those targets. However, he has shown signs of what he can do, and his route participation and snap share are what are encouraging, and his 25 percent first-read target share means they are designing plays for him to ensure he remains involved. With Concepcion still a rookie in what isn't considered a high-powered offense, there are still some question marks; however, he's intentionally getting involved and is rising among the wide receiver ranks.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emanuel Wilson Drops Out of Seahawks' Offensive Rotation
Seattle Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson went from rushing for 100 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7 to not playing a single offensive snap in Monday's 34-17 loss to the Chicago Bears. Wilson appeared exclusively on special teams for seven snaps as Zach Charbonnet (knee) made his season debut and Jadarian Price (chest) returned from injured reserve. Price led Seattle's backfield with 30 offensive snaps (48%) and 10 carries, while Charbonnet played 23 snaps (37%) and handled six rushing attempts. George Holani also remained involved, logging 11 offensive snaps. Wilson had accumulated 403 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns while helping fill the backfield vacancies, but the return of Seattle's preferred options has pushed him out of the offensive rotation. His fantasy value now depends largely on injuries creating another opportunity, making him difficult to justify holding outside deeper leagues heading into Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Stefon Diggs Settling In as a Safe WR3 With Touchdown Upside
Washington Commanders 32-year-old wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been thrust into a bigger role after teammate Terry McLaurin (knee) was injured and will miss the rest of the season. Diggs has been extremely consistent this season, earning six or more targets in every game he's played and ranking 21st in targets per game among qualified wide receivers. He's also 12th in targets per route run and 22nd in fantasy points per game. He's also finding a nose for the end zone, with four touchdowns on the season, ranking third in touchdowns per game. While his yardage is nothing to write home about, Diggs remains a safe WR3 PPR play in fantasy formats moving forward, with his upside depending on whether he gets in the end zone. Fantasy managers looking for a strong flex/WR3 play can start Diggs with confidence.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordyn Tyson Set to Return to Practice Wednesday
New Orleans Saints rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) is set to return to practice Wednesday, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. The eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft has spent the entire regular season on injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury during training camp in August. Tyson has yet to make his NFL debut, and his availability for Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the Cleveland Browns remains uncertain. Head coach Kellen Moore said Monday that the team was still evaluating when to resume Tyson's practice activities, making Wednesday's development an encouraging step in his recovery. Devaughn Vele has established himself alongside Chris Olave during the rookie's absence, catching 33 passes for 348 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. Tyson could eventually compete for a significant role in New Orleans' passing attack, but his lengthy absence makes an immediate fantasy contribution difficult to project. He is worth considering as a speculative bench stash in deeper leagues.
Source: Nick Underhill
Source: Nick Underhill
Jameson Williams Emerging as a Locked-In WR2 for Fantasy Managers
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has been on a tear over the past four weeks, scoring five times since Week 5, including three of his last four contests, with 13.2 or more fantasy points in each and finishing as the WR19 or better in all four. More importantly, he has seen a fairly consistent target share, with six or more in three of the four contests. Williams has always been an explosive fantasy option, as shown by his 33.3 percent explosive reception rate this season, but his top-13 rankings in routes per game and targets per game inside the 20-yard line suggest his on-field production holds up under the hood. He is a rising WR2 and a locked-and-loaded option with upside until further notice.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bhayshul Tuten Could Be Game-Time Decision Against Ravens
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (ankle, foot) is feeling better Wednesday, although his availability for Thursday night's Week 9 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens could come down to a game-time decision, according to John Shipley. Head coach Liam Coen offered the update after Tuten missed Tuesday's practice and was listed as a nonparticipant on Monday's estimated injury report. The 23-year-old is coming off his best performance of the season, totaling 159 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 18 touches against Indianapolis in Week 8. He has rushed for a team-high 492 yards and three touchdowns through seven games, making his potential absence significant for Jacksonville's offense. Chris Rodriguez Jr. (hand) would be the primary candidate for additional carries after rushing for 41 yards and a touchdown against the Colts, although he was limited in practice on Monday and Tuesday. Rodriguez could offer short-term flex value in deeper leagues if Tuten sits, with LeQuint Allen Jr. and Ameer Abdullah also available for backfield work.
Source: John Shipley
Source: John Shipley
Keaton Mitchell Remains Stuck in Three-Headed Chargers Backfield
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell played 31 percent of the snaps in Week 8, recording four carries for six yards and catching three passes for 17 yards in the Chargers' loss to the Rams. Mitchell remains involved in the offense, playing 31.6 percent of snaps this season; however, like the rest of the Chargers' offense, it hasn't amounted to much. Mitchell has a 3.72 yards-per-carry average and averages 6.06 fantasy points per game, ranking in the ninth percentile among qualifying running backs. Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal also remain involved in the offense, making this backfield a three-headed timeshare and neither running back a reliable fantasy option. Mitchell can still be rostered if needed; however, fantasy managers looking for short-term or immediate production may want to look elsewhere. Their Week 9 matchup against the Texans isn't a walk in the park either.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
James Conner Merely a Deep-League RB Stash
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) remains a speculative injured-reserve stash, not an immediate answer to Arizona's backfield problems. RotoBaller's Week 9 waiver rankings list him at 6% rostered and recommend adding him in leagues with 12 or more teams, but coach Mike LaFleur confirmed he will not return against the Seattle Seahawks. Jeremiyah Love (ankle) was placed on IR Tuesday, and Bam Knight is in concussion protocol. Tyler Allgeier is set to lead the backfield after producing 147 rushing yards, 44 receiving yards and two total touchdowns in Sunday's overtime win over the Dallas Cowboys. Evan Hull is also on the roster, with Jerome Ford available for elevation from the practice squad. Conner has not played since a right foot injury ended his 2025 season in Week 3, although he rushed for 1,094 yards and caught 47 passes in 2024. That past production makes him interesting for patient fantasy managers, but he has yet to be cleared to practice, and his return date remains uncertain.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Roschon Johnson's Fantasy Value Fading as Bears Backfield Gets Healthier
Chicago Bears 25-year-old running back Roschon Johnson played second fiddle to D'Andre Swift in Week 8, playing only 20 percent of the snaps and recording five carries for 17 yards and one reception for 11 yards. Johnson is the clear RB2 in the Bears backfield when Kyle Monangai (toe/thumb) is inactive, and after producing 51 yards and a touchdown in Week 6, Johnson has failed to put up more than 17 yards and see more than five carries in either of the previous two contests. While Monangai is out, Johnson still has handcuff value; however, a tough Week 9 matchup against the Buccaneers, followed by the Bears' bye in Week 10, could limit his time and give Monangai more chances to heal and regain his status as the Bears' No. 2 running back. Johnson can be dropped in most competitive formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eli Raridon has Brutal Week 9 Matchup
New England tight end Eli Raridon has produced a couple of solid fantasy performances this season, but he has a brutal matchup coming in Week 9 against Green Bay. Raridon had 56 yards and a touchdown across three receptions and four targets in Week 7 against Chicago, but followed that up with just one catch for five yards across four targets in Week 8 against Miami. Raridon has 173 receiving yards and two touchdowns over his 13 receptions and 20 targets in seven games played so far. Green Bay has been the second-toughest fantasy test for tight ends, so Raridon doesn't have a very good outlook for Week 9. Raridon could lead the way at tight end if Hunter Henry (foot) misses the game, but he'd still only be a starting option for those in deeper leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kirk Cousins Remains a Must-Add Despite Tough Upcoming Matchups
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns in Sunday's 38-33 victory over the Jets. He also added his first rushing touchdown of the season. Through eight games, Cousins has thrown for 2,124 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions, recording multiple touchdown passes in seven contests. His strong play has kept rookie Fernando Mendoza on the bench, although a future quarterback change remains possible. Cousins is rostered in roughly two-thirds of fantasy leagues across major platforms, making him a worthwhile addition despite upcoming matchups against San Francisco, Seattle, and Denver. RotoBaller ranks him QB14 for Week 9, making him a matchup-dependent starting option.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tre' Harris has Deep-League Streaming Appeal in Favorable Week 9 Matchup
Los Angeles wide receiver Tre' Harris has struggled to produce over the past two weeks, but a very favorable matchup against Houston in Week 9 could help him get back on track. Harris has 18 receptions for 256 yards and no touchdowns across 29 targets in his six games played this season. He only has five grabs for 47 yards over seven targets in the past two games combined, though. Houston has struggled to slow opposing wideouts all season, so the matchup favors Harris. It's tough to trust the Chargers' offense right now, and after a couple of down games in a row, Harris isn't the most confident starting option, even in deeper setups. The matchup is favorable enough to at least consider streaming Harris in deeper leagues for Week 9, though.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Sione Vaki Emerging as Intriguing Handcuff Option
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki carried the ball 11 times for 65 yards and caught one pass for five yards in Sunday's 19-15 win over Minnesota. Vaki had totaled just 56 rushing yards on 16 carries entering Week 8. His performance drew praise from head coach Dan Campbell, who said Vaki had earned more trust from the coaching staff. Jahmyr Gibbs remains Detroit's lead back after rushing for 153 yards Sunday, but Vaki could see additional opportunities moving forward. RotoBaller ranks Vaki RB62 for Week 9 against Miami, making him a worthwhile handcuff stash rather than a dependable fantasy starter.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
More News About Deshaun Watson
