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Aidin Ebrahimi looks at key fantasy football injuries and injury updates to watch for Week 9 of the 2024 season, including Jordan Love, Nico Collins, DK Metcalf, Christian McCaffrey, and more.
After the injury-riddled nightmare that was Week 7, the injury bug mostly went away in Week 8. It was a pretty entertaining week, and things could get even more unpredictable now that we're nearing the trade deadline.
Unfortunately, as is the case in every week of NFL action, there were some injuries. Seeing which players are dealing with injuries and which ones aren't quite at 100% yet will go a long way if you're looking to win your fantasy leagues.
Without further ado, let's look at some injuries to watch and consider heading into Week 9. Don't forget to bookmark our fantasy football player news page, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app with push notification alerts to stay notified.
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Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers
If this season has taught us anything about Jordan Love, it's that he plays more like Brett Favre than Aaron Rodgers. Love currently leads the NFL in interceptions despite missing two games due to injury. And now there's a chance he'll miss some more time.
Source: #Packers QB Jordan Love’s MRI came back with some good news. It’s a strained groin, nothing major.
No surprise. He’ll get better every day and do treatment and monitor throughout the week. pic.twitter.com/09qFrPMuDT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2024
In the third quarter of the Packers' win over the Jaguars in Week 8, Love suffered a groin injury and didn't return to the game. Love had been favoring his leg for most of the contest, and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was "highly concerned."
However, according to Tom Pelissero, the organization is optimistic that Love avoided a long-term injury. Love is listed as day-to-day and has a chance to play against the Lions, but Malik Willis could be a solid fantasy option if Love misses time.
Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans
After a slow start to life in Houston, Stefon Diggs had a string of strong performances and was looking to have his first 100-yard game in Week 8 against the Colts. He was on-pace to do just that but then suffered a devastating injury in the third quarter.
Stefon Diggs is still being evaluated and the Texans “will see where he is,” per DeMeco Ryans. pic.twitter.com/hmh31w0byf
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) October 28, 2024
Diggs immediately grabbed his knee when he went down with a non-contact injury. He managed to walk off the field on his own and even gave a thumbs up to the crowd, but the Texans are very concerned over the severity of his injury.
Speaking on the Pat McAfee show, Adam Schefter expressed his concern for Diggs and claimed no one had told him whether he was fine. Diggs is set to undergo some tests, and it seems like Tank Dell and Robert Woods will be the Texans' main WRs until Nico Collins returns.
According to Texans reporter Aaron Wilson, Collins could be back by Week 10.
Christian Kirk, Brian Thomas Jr., and Gabe Davis, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars' nightmare season continued in Week 8. The team suffered their 11th loss in their last 14 games after a last-second field goal against the Packers, and to make things even worse, they lost three wideouts in the same day.
Gabe Davis had been playing through a shoulder injury since Week 4 and re-aggravated his injury on Sunday. He didn't miss any games the first time around, so he should be fine. Rookie standout Brian Thomas Jr. also got hurt in the game.
It was initially thought that Thomas would miss a few weeks with a chest injury, but Doug Pederson told reporters that his injury is day-to-day. Pederson also confirmed that Christian Kirk would miss the rest of the season with a broken collarbone.
Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots
Rookie Patriots quarterback Drake Maye entered his third game as a starter with some high expectations after a solid performance in Week 7. He managed to get the first rushing touchdown and win of his NFL career against the Jets but left the game in the first quarter.
Maye was concussed during his third rushing attempt of the night, and while he wanted to return to the field, he couldn't clear the concussion protocol. He is expected to miss Week 9, and Rhamondre Stevenson will likely run the ball a lot with Jacoby Brissett under center.
DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks
DK Metcalf dominated the Falcons in Week 7 but had to be carted back to the locker room when he suffered a knee injury. The team initially thought his injury was minor, but Metcalf couldn't recover in time to play in Week 8.
But it looks like Metcalf won't be out for long. According to Seahawks reporter Gregg Bell, Seahawks HC Mike Mike Macdonald is "optimistic" that Metcalf will return for the team's Week 9 showdown against the Rams.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, San Francisco 49ers
Last week, Deebo Samuel showed up to the game against the Chiefs with an illness and was clearly in no shape to compete. He was stayed at a hospital and it was revealed that he had fluid in his lungs. Thankfully, he returned in Week 8.
#49ers Deebo Samuel suffered a rib injury, but expected to be good to go after the bye week. pic.twitter.com/hQbi2TAJIc
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) October 28, 2024
Samuel was having a great game but suffered yet another injury. This time, it was an injury to his ribs. Kyle Shanahan didn't provide an update on Samuel's injury status, but he may be back in Week 10 after the 49ers' bye week. Ricky Pearsall could have a big game if Samuel misses time.
Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Sticking with the 49ers, their breakout star Jordan Mason went down with a shoulder injury, but it doesn't look like a major injury. Kyle Shanahan said Mason "maybe could've returned" to the game, but they didn't feel the need to put him back in due to Isaac Guerendo's superb play.
#49ers RB Christian McCaffrey is going to "hit it hard" this week with some simulated practice workouts this week while the team is on bye. They're aiming to get him back to practice next week if all goes well, per Kyle Shanahan.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 28, 2024
However, Mason and Guerendo's fantasy relevance might be coming to an end. Adam Schefter reported that Christian McCaffrey hadn't suffered any setbacks in his recovery and "has looked strong".
He then said the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is "tracking" to return in Week 10 against the Buccaneers.
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