Sam Darnold Ruled Out for Week 9 With Quad Injury 0mLink copied!

Nov 4, 2026, 5:45 PM ET

Houston Texans running back David Montgomery (groin), who missed yet another practice on Wednesday, will not return in Week 9 to face the Los Angeles Chargers, according to Pro Football Talk. Head coach DeMeco Ryans called Montgomery "week-to-week" as the running back tries to recover from a groin injury that will sideline him for a third straight game this weekend. Monty was injured in an Oct. 11 game against the division-rival Tennessee Titans and missed the following two games. He is not ready to return despite having last week's bye to heal up. The good news is that Ryans said that Montgomery has made "progress," so perhaps he will be ready to make his return for the team's Week 10 tilt on the road against the Cleveland Browns. With Montgomery out again this weekend against L.A., Woody Marks will continue to be a plug-and-play RB2 option for fantasy managers. After acquiring Montgomery in an offseason trade from the Detroit Lions, he has 52 carries for 138 yards (2.7 yards per attempt) and two touchdowns, while adding seven receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown as a receiver. He deserves to be stashed in most fantasy leagues while he recovers from his groin injury, as Monty will be a key contributor to Houston's backfield alongside Marks when he returns.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Talk

Nov 4, 2026, 5:42 PM ET

Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. is not guaranteed to remain the team's primary rusher, as head coach Klint Kubiak said Wednesday that the distribution of carries between Washington and Ashton Jeanty will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis, according to Ryan McFadden. Washington handled a career-high 25 carries for 83 yards in Sunday's Week 8 victory over the New York Jets, playing 38 snaps compared to Jeanty's 22. Kubiak previously credited Washington's development and practice performance for his increased opportunities. Jeanty was limited to two carries for nine yards but caught three passes for 64 yards, while Washington wasn't targeted. The rookie remains a priority waiver addition following his expanded rushing role, particularly in standard-scoring leagues. However, his limited receiving involvement and Kubiak's willingness to adjust the backfield rotation could make his weekly fantasy production unpredictable.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Ryan McFadden

Nov 4, 2026, 5:36 PM ET

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs said on Wednesday that he is not worried about missing more time following recent allegations surrounding his domestic-violence case, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. "With all the evidence that we have and that they have, at this point it's not one of those things where I'm sitting back on my hands like, 'OK, am I gonna play this week?' It's really just up to them to make their final decision, but I'm not worried about feeling like I'ma miss any more time than I already have," Jacobs said. Head coach Matt LaFleur also said on Monday that the Packers are aware of the prior physical-abuse allegations involving Jacobs and expect him to stay with the team moving forward. The 28-year-old missed the first six games of the season while on the commissioner's exempt list after he was charged with two misdemeanors in late August, which stemmed from his arrest in May for a domestic incident. The NFL could elect to put Jacobs back on the exempt list, but unless that happens, he will move forward as their unquestioned lead back. The three-time Pro Bowler has rewarded the fantasy managers who have held him all year, scoring three touchdowns (one rushing, two receiving) in his first two games, although he is averaging only 2.3 yards per carry on 32 rushing attempts. Jacobs is a must-start fantasy RB for the Packers' Week 9 matchup against the New England Patriots.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman

Nov 4, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

New York Jets running back Breece Hall (quadriceps) remained limited in Wednesday's practice, but head coach Aaron Glenn said he is trending toward returning against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9. Hall has missed five consecutive games since suffering the injury in Week 3 and was limited throughout last week's practices before sitting out against the Las Vegas Raiders. Braelon Allen has thrived in his absence, rushing for 504 yards over five games, including a career-high 147 yards against Las Vegas in Week 8. Glenn indicated that both running backs would play if Hall returns Sunday but did not elaborate on how the workload would be divided. Allen's recent production complicates Hall's fantasy outlook, as the Jets could continue splitting backfield opportunities rather than immediately restoring Hall to his previous workload.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Rich Cimini

Nov 4, 2026, 5:26 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (hamstring), who was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice, said he was a bit surprised that what bothered him in the Week 7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons was his hamstring, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. It sounds like he has a chance to return to practice and play this week on Sunday against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders. "It wasn't too bad," McCaffrey said. "I think having the bye week was awesome, but I feel great." The 30-year-old All-Pro RB dealt with a mild left-hamstring strain during the Week 7 loss to the Falcons, but he had last week's bye to rest up, so he is expected to be ready this weekend to take on the Raiders. We will be keeping a close eye on CMC's practice status for the rest of the week. He finished with only 13 touches against Atlanta for 100 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown, so he was still valuable for his fantasy managers. In the event he does not make progress the rest of the week and is held out on Sunday, rookie Kaelon Black would become a plug-and-play, must-start RB in Week 9. McCaffrey is a must-start in all fantasy lineups anytime he is active.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner

Nov 4, 2026, 5:06 PM ET

Nov 4, 2026, 4:59 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (Achilles) did not practice on Wednesday, but 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that the veteran wideout has made "a lot of progress" in his recovery from a nagging Achilles injury, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner. After initially attempting to play through the injury, Evans was held out of the 49ers' Week 7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons before the team's Week 8 bye. Even after two weeks off, it appears as though Evans is still battling the ailment and could be at risk of missing San Francisco's Week 9 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 33-year-old has been extremely productive despite battling myriad injury issues throughout 2026, recording 27 catches for 420 yards and three touchdowns on 39 targets across six games. If he's able to return to the field on Sunday, Evans profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver against Las Vegas.--Will Brady
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner

Nov 4, 2026, 4:53 PM ET

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said that wide receiver Tank Dell will see a "natural progression in his workload" in the coming weeks, per Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Dell appeared in Houston's Week 7 loss to the New York Giants before their Week 8 bye, which was his first game since suffering a catastrophic knee injury in Week 16 of the 2024 season. The 27-year-old played just 23 snaps against New York, recording a 43-yard catch on his only target. Houston has quietly assembled a deep wide receiver corps, with Nico Collins, Marvin Harrison Jr., Xavier Hutchinson, and Kayshon Boutte all providing Dell with competition for playing time and targets. Still, it appears as though the team plans on Dell's role in the offense expanding as he gets healthier. In deeper leagues, Dell could be worth stashing off the waiver wire in case he returns to his pre-injury form.--Will Brady
Source: Houston Chronicle - Jonathan M. Alexander

Nov 4, 2026, 4:51 PM ET

Nov 4, 2026, 4:50 PM ET

Nov 4, 2026, 4:49 PM ET

Nov 4, 2026, 4:43 PM ET

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) was not spotted at practice on Wednesday, per Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. Wicks has been sidelined since Week 6 due to an ankle injury, and he appears to be at risk of remaining out for Philadelphia's Week 9 matchup against the New York Giants. Across six games before getting hurt, the 25-year-old recorded 19 catches for 284 yards and a touchdown on 32 targets. With Eagles WR1 DeVonta Smith (hamstring) also battling injury, Wicks could have a chance to play a lead role in the Philadelphia passing game if he makes it back to the field before Smith. If neither Smith nor Wicks can play in Week 9, Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon would likely be the team's WR1 against the Giants.--Will Brady
Source: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena

Nov 4, 2026, 4:36 PM ET

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was not seen at practice on Wednesday, per Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. Smith has been battling a lingering hamstring injury that has caused him to miss two straight games and four of the Eagles' last five. The 27-year-old has been highly productive when active, recording 26 catches for 310 yards and two touchdowns on 41 targets across four games. However, with Philadelphia in the midst of a six-game losing streak and their season spiraling out of control, the team has little incentive to rush Smith back out on the field. If Smith remains sidelined in Week 9 against the New York Giants, Eagles rookie wideout Makai Lemon and veteran tight end Dallas Goedert would likely be the top pass-catchers for new Philadelphia QB1 Joe Milton III.--Will Brady
Source: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena

Nov 4, 2026, 4:27 PM ET

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring, back) was not spotted at practice on Wednesday, per Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. Barkley has been battling injury issues for multiple weeks. The 29-year-old has played a limited snap share in each of the Eagles' last two games, but he's been relatively productive in his opportunities, recording 20 carries for 92 yards and two touchdowns over the last two weeks. Given that Barkley has been on the field for the Eagles lately, he may just be getting a rest/injury management day off on Wednesday. If Barkley has suffered a setback, Eagles backup running backs Elijah Mitchell and Jaydon Blue could be in line for increased workloads in Week 9 against the New York Giants.--Will Brady
Source: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena

Nov 4, 2026, 4:18 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers have opened the practice window for wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (ankle), per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. Robinson has been on Injured Reserve since Week 2 due to an ankle injury, but it appears he could be on the doorstep of a return. Across two games before getting hurt, the 32-year-old recorded five catches for 84 yards and a touchdown on six targets. The 49ers have had myriad injuries across their wide receiver room so far in 2026. Even coming out of their Week 8 bye, top wideouts Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) remained sidelined from practice and could be in danger of missing San Francisco's Week 9 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. In deeper leagues, Robinson could be worth targeting on the waiver wire ahead of his impending return.--Will Brady
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco

Nov 4, 2026, 4:08 PM ET

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh called running back Cam Skattebo's (hamstring) injury "complicated" on Wednesday, per Connor Hughes of SNY. Skattebo suffered a hamstring injury in Week 7 that is apparently still bothering him following New York's Week 8 bye. The 24-year-old had his best game of the 2026 season before suffering the injury, recording 17 carries for 124 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans. However, it appears as though his status for the Giants Week 9 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles is in doubt. If Skattebo is unable to play against Philadelphia, Giants RB2 Devin Singletary would likely be in line for a significant workload increase. In leagues where Singletary remains available on the waiver wire, he could be worth a speculative add for fantasy managers.--Will Brady
Source: SNY - Connor Hughes

Nov 4, 2026, 4:01 PM ET

Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku (leg) has had his practice window opened as he works toward returning from injured reserve, according to Alex Insdorf of BoltBeat.com. Head coach Jim Harbaugh announced the development Wednesday, bringing Njoku closer to his first appearance since suffering a lower-leg injury against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2. The 30-year-old caught six passes for 67 yards across two games before being placed on injured reserve September 23. He recorded five receptions for 58 yards in his only full outing. Oronde Gadsden II has handled an expanded role during Njoku's absence, recording 17 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown this season, including five catches for 52 yards against the Rams last week. Njoku's eventual return could affect the distribution of tight end targets, with Charlie Kolar also part of the rotation. His availability for Sunday's matchup against the Houston Texans remains uncertain, making him a speculative stash in deeper fantasy leagues.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Alex Insdorf

Nov 4, 2026, 3:49 PM ET

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (hamstring/ankle) carries no injury designation for Thursday night's Week 9 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens despite being limited in practice throughout the week. Meyers played through both injuries during Sunday's 42-7 victory over Indianapolis, catching two of three targets for 24 yards. Jacksonville attempted just 17 passes in that contest, limiting receiving opportunities across the offense. The 29-year-old has caught 22 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns through seven appearances, with his best recent performance coming against Houston in Week 6, when he recorded five receptions for 83 yards on 10 targets. His expected availability is encouraging, but inconsistent target volume remains the bigger concern for fantasy managers. Meyers is best viewed as a matchup-dependent flex option rather than a reliable weekly starter.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Ryan O'Halloran

Nov 4, 2026, 3:48 PM ET

Nov 4, 2026, 3:48 PM ET

Baltimore running back Justice Hill was cleared to play in Week 9, but he's just a deep-league option going into a brutal matchup against Jacksonville. The Jaguars have been the toughest fantasy test so far for running backs, so the Ravens' RB2 doesn't have a good outlook. He was on the injury report this week with a groin concern, but he logged full practices on Tuesday and Wednesday and doesn't have an injury designation for Thursday's game. Another thing working against Hill is that Joe Fagnano is starting at quarterback, instead of Lamar Jackson (finger) or Tyler Huntley (turf toe). Hill hasn't done much as a ball carrier this season, but has factored in a bit more in the passing game of late. He caught half of his eight targets for 20 yards in Week 8, when Fagnano replaced Jackson and Huntley. Hill is still ranked just RB48 in our RotoBaller Week 9 projections, showing he's one to skip in most leagues, especially with a tough matchup looming.--Morgan Rode
Source: ESPN