Nov 4, 2026, 5:51 PM ET

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (quadriceps, ribs) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals after injuring his quad late in Monday's loss to the Chicago Bears. Head coach Mike Macdonald described Darnold as week-to-week and said the team does not plan to place him on injured reserve. Macdonald also revealed that Darnold suffered a cracked rib on Seattle's second offensive play against Chicago but remained in the game. The injuries add to a difficult stretch for Darnold, who has thrown nine interceptions across his last six starts. Drew Lock is expected to start against Arizona despite dealing with a right elbow injury, with Jalen Milroe preparing to serve as his backup. Lock threw for 235 yards and three touchdowns against the Cardinals in Week 2, with all three scores going to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. That previous connection provides some reassurance for Smith-Njigba's fantasy outlook despite the quarterback change.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Jeremy Fowler

Nov 4, 2026, 5:47 PM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced that guard/forward Terrence Shannon Jr. (hip) is unavailable for Wednesday's game against the Houston Rockets. Shannon will miss his second straight contest due to a left hip contusion. The 26-year-old is averaging 12 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 22.0 minutes through seven appearances. Jaylen Clark will likely see additional minutes again with Shannon sidelined, giving him some appeal in deeper fantasy leagues.--Andrew Lennox
Source: NBA Injury Report

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, 5:29 PM ET

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Daeqwon Plowden (illness) is unavailable for Wednesday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Plowden will miss his second game of the season this evening due to an illness. His next chance to play is Friday's NBA Cup game against the San Antonio Spurs. With Plowden sidelined, Sacramento could lean more heavily on its other wings, though his absence is unlikely to have a major fantasy impact.--Andrew Lennox
Source: NBA Injury Report

Nov 4, 2026, 5:27 PM ET

Tampa Bay Lightning center Yanni Gourde (hip) could be an option during the team's upcoming road trip, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports. The Lightning face four straight road games after hosting the Chicago Blackhawks Thursday night. Gourde hasn't played this season due to hip surgery. As a versatile forward, he will be a welcome addition to Tampa Bay, though fantasy managers shouldn't expect huge numbers from the 34-year-old. In 2025-26, Gourde tallied 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 82 games. --Taavi Pailk
Source: Benjamin Pierce

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, 5:17 PM ET

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (upper body) is day-to-day after exiting early in Tuesday's win over Washington. He isn't expected to play Thursday night against Columbus, but the Finnish defensive star should return relatively quickly from his upper-body injury. Heiskanen is fourth on his team with eight assists and has 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 15 games. Trey Taylor is expected to replace Heiskanen in the lineup, while Thomas Harley will move to the first power-play unit, increasing his fantasy value.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

Nov 4, 2026, 5:15 PM ET

Sacramento Kings forward/center Precious Achiuwa (ankle) is available for Wednesday's matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. Achiuwa was previously listed as questionable due to left ankle soreness but has since been cleared to play. The 27-year-old has played in all seven Sacramento contests this season, averaging 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.0 blocks over 28.6 minutes per game. His steady minutes and contributions in rebounds, steals, and blocks make him a solid fantasy option against the Lakers.--Andrew Lennox
Source: NBA Injury Report

Nov 4, 2026, 5:07 PM ET

New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal (knee) participated in Wednesday's practice, Tyler Millen of the Islanders' official site reports. He's been out this season with knee inflammation, and this was the first time he had joined the team for practice. Barzal wore a non-contract jersey, indicating he still needs some work before he's ready for his season debut. Last season, Barzal missed only one game and put up 72 points (19 goals, 53 assists). He's one of the Islanders' most consistent offensive players, making him a player worth watching for fantasy managers.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Tyler Millen

Nov 4, 2026, 5:00 PM ET

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (lower body) could return to the lineup on Thursday against Boston, Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now reports. The veteran star has been dealing with a lower-body injury and sat out Tuesday's loss to Vegas. But Malkin participated fully in Wednesday's practice, suggesting he will be available to return against Boston. So far, Malkin has been close to averaging a point per game, tallying six goals and five assists in 11 appearances. Andrei Kuzmenko figures to be the odd man out if Malkin is cleared to play.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Dan Kingerski

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