RADIO
Breece Hall Expected to Split Carries in Week 9 Return
New York Jets running back Breece Hall is expected to split carries roughly evenly with Braelon Allen against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9, according to Rich Cimini. Hall is active after missing five games. He was limited Wednesday, practiced in full Thursday and Friday, and had no game designation. Hall outcarried Allen 38 to 15 in the first two games of the season. Allen averaged 18.6 carries in the five games Hall missed, capping that stretch with 147 rushing yards and a touchdown against Las Vegas. Cimini reported that the Jets could adjust the split based on game flow and which back is producing. Hall caught at least two passes in each of his three games, including five for 63 yards against Green Bay. Both backs are viable flex plays in 12-team leagues, with a slight edge to Hall in full PPR.
Source: Rich Cimini
Source: Rich Cimini
Jaylen Wright Inactive Against Lions With Quad Injury
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright (quad) is inactive for Sunday's Week 9 game against the Detroit Lions. Wright missed Wednesday's practice and was limited Thursday and Friday before Miami listed him as questionable. He leads the Dolphins with 608 kickoff return yards, including 142 on five returns against New England last week. Malik Washington is second on the team with 225. With De'Von Achane on injured reserve, Ollie Gordon II has carried 44 times for 172 yards over Miami's last two games, while Wright had eight carries for 13 yards in that span. Kaytron Allen (quad) is active after two limited practices and a full session Friday. He has yet to record a regular-season carry. Miami also elevated Carlos Washington Jr. from the practice squad Saturday.
Source: Miami Dolphins
Source: Miami Dolphins
Cam Skattebo Inactive Vs. Eagles
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (hamstring) is officially inactive for the Week 9 game against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Skattebo did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but he returned to a limited session on Friday before the Giants labeled him as doubtful to play this weekend. He was reportedly pushing to play on Saturday, but Skattebo just did not do enough during the week to convince the coaching staff that he was ready to play in Philly. It is extremely disappointing for his fantasy managers after he had the bye in Week 8 to heal from a hamstring injury that he suffered in overtime against the Houston Texans in Week 7. It remains to be seen if Skattebo will be ready to go on a quick turnaround next Thursday night to kick off Week 10 action against the division-rival Washington Commanders. With Skattebo sidelined this Sunday, Devin Singletary should see the lion's share of backfield work, making him a plug-and-play RB3/flex for fantasy managers who scooped him up off the waiver wire.
Source: Giants.com - Dan Salomone
Source: Giants.com - Dan Salomone
James Cook III Could Expose Vikings' Run Defense
If there is one way to beat the Minnesota Vikings' defense, which is ranked No. 1 against the pass, it's through the running game. That's what Bills running back James Cook III will look to do on Monday night, when Buffalo takes on Minnesota in a critical non-conference affair. The Vikings have allowed 116.7 yards rushing per game this season, which is ranked in the bottom half of the NFL. Last week against the Detroit Lions, the Vikings allowed Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to total 153 yards on the ground and score a touchdown rushing. Cook is coming off his worst performance of the season in terms of yards per carry (3.8) against the Baltimore Ravens, but he has scored a touchdown in six straight games and will look to extend that streak vs. the Vikings. Cook is RotoBaller's 10th-ranked running back and is projected to score 13 fantasy points against Minnesota.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Wright Won't Play Sunday Against the Lions
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright (quad) is not expected to play in Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Detroit Lions, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Wright is officially listed as questionable after logging back-to-back limited practices. The 23-year-old has been very disappointing this season, even after De'Von Achane (knee) was ruled out for the rest of the season. Through six games this year, Wright has just 41 rushing yards on 22 carries, and he has failed to haul in either of his two targets. Ollie Gordon II has been the primary ball-carrier, and he remains the only Dolphins running back worth starting or rostering in fantasy football. Kaytron Allen (quadriceps, questionable) and Carlos Washington will round out the depth chart behind Gordon on Sunday, but they're both avoidable in all leagues.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Kyle Monangai Won't Play Sunday, Expected to Return in Week 11
Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (thumb, toe) will not play in Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. However, he is expected to return in Week 11, following the Bears' bye week. Once Monangai is confirmed as inactive on Sunday, he will have officially missed five consecutive games. The Bears left the door open for him to suit up this week, but it was always going to be a longshot after he missed two consecutive practices, followed by a limited session on Friday. The Bears will continue to lean on D'Andre Swift, who ranks as the overall RB4 in PPR leagues this season and is averaging a whopping 20.9 touches per game this season. He also has 10 touchdowns, which ties his previous career high, despite the fact that we're not even halfway through the 2026 season yet. Swift has been impressive, but we do expect Monangai to carve out a meaningful role as a fantasy RB3/flex upon his return. Before he got injured, the Rutgers product was averaging 15 carries per game, although that number was somewhat skewed by a 30-carry effort in Week 4.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Emmett Johnson a Promising Bench Stash
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson is a worthy bench stash as we head into the back half of the fantasy season. Johnson has been used sparingly as a rusher this year behind workhorse teammate Kenneth Walker. However, when given the opportunity, he's flashed his ability as an impact player. Most recently, the rookie came alive in a big way in the team's Week 8 loss to the Broncos. The Minneapolis, Minnesota native hauled in all five of his targets for a staggering 128 yards and a touchdown on the back of a 73-yard catch-and-run. Owners can't rely on that kind of volume from Johnson every week, though it's worth noting he's been a strong option when called upon and ranks third on the team in receiving yards (237) on minimal opportunities. Johnson is unlikely to turn the Chiefs' backfield into a committee, but he could siphon off more work moving forward. Head coach Andy Reid is notorious for making rookies earn their stripes. The 23-year-old is one of fantasy's most critical handcuffs.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kaelon Black a Top-End Handcuff
San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black may not be a useful fantasy start in Week 9, but presents as an excellent stash candidate off waivers, particularly for Christian McCaffrey owners. Black handled a heavier workload in San Francisco's Week 7 loss to Atlanta while McCaffrey battled an injury. Coming out of their bye, the latter appears healthy despite being listed as a DNP on Wednesday and should resume his role as the unquestioned workhorse. That said, there are still reasons to scoop the rookie up as we head into the back half of the campaign. For starters, the team may choose to manage McCaffrey's reps if he isn't truly healthy. Moreover, any aggravation of the injury would thrust Black into a substantial role in one of the league's top attacks. Despite no immediate standalone value, the third-round pick of April's draft draws appeal as a high-upside bench asset.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Seth McGowan is Too Risky To Start
Indianapolis Colts running back Seth McGowan remains a top stash target ahead of the trade deadline. It sounds likely that the Colts will keep Jonathan Taylor, but fantasy managers should stash McGowan just in case. Last week, McGowan carried the ball five times for 29 yards during the blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. With Taylor possibly leaving, McGowan could see an expanded role during the Week 9 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. It's a favorable matchup with the Cowboys having the worst run defense in the league. Despite it being a great matchup, McGowan is too risky to start in fantasy formats with Taylor still on the team. The 25-year-old is worth stashing, but he isn't an ideal streaming option for Week 9.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jonathan Taylor is Strong RB1 for Week 9
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is set to play in Week 9 despite all the trade rumors surrounding him. It sounds increasingly likely that Taylor remains with the team. It doesn't sound like any organizations are offering premium capital for Taylor, so the Colts will likely keep him. That should mean that Taylor has a normal workload against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9. Taylor saw a season-low eight rushing attempts during last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Taylor should bounce back against the Cowboys, who have the worst run defense in the league. The stud back ranks as Rotoballer's RB10 and should be considered a strong RB1 against the horrendous Cowboys rush defense.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Javonte Williams Should Bounce Back in Week 9
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams will look to bounce back after giving fantasy managers a dud last week. Williams carried the ball 24 times for 56 yards during last week's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The 24 carries were the second-most for Williams this season, but the 2.33 yards per carry won't get the job done. He also saw his touchdown streak come to an end after he scored in five straight games coming into last week's game. Fantasy managers should expect a bounce-back performance from Williams in Week 9. He'll face an Indianapolis Colts defense, which ranks 27th in the league in rushing yards allowed. Williams is ranked as Rotoballer's RB5 and is a must-start against the Colts defense this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Vikings Could Trade for Both Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor
The Minnesota Vikings could try to acquire quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Minnesota is reportedly exploring the possibility of a quarterback trade after losing their first game of the season in Week 9, even though Kyler Murray (hamstring) turned in a fine performance with 210 passing yards, 35 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The run game has been a much bigger weakness for the Vikings, which explains their interest in Taylor, who already has 610 rushing yards, 202 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns through eight games this season. Florio notes that the Colts would love to get a first-round pick -- they traded their own 2026 first-rounder to the Jets last year -- but packaging Jones and Taylor together might be their only path to securing a Day 1 selection. Trading a first-rounder for Jones, who has six touchdowns and 12 turnovers this year, and Taylor may feel like a steep price, but the fact that the pick will likely be later in the first round might soften the blow. It's also worth noting that the Vikings have a pre-existing connection to Jones, as they rostered the veteran passer as a backup between his stints with the Giants and the Colts.
Source: Mike Florio
Source: Mike Florio
Cam Skattebo "Unlikely" to Play in Week 9 Against Eagles
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (hamstring) is "unlikely" to play in Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com. This report aligns with the official injury designation from the Giants, who listed Skattebo as doubtful. The 24-year-old will be inactive for the first time this season, and New York finally finds itself short-handed at the running back position after releasing Najee Harris and placing Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hamstring) on IR. Raanan reports that Devin Singletary will play the bulk of the offensive snaps for New York, and he'll occasionally be spelled by Phil Mafah. Meanwhile, Greg Desrosiers will round out the running back depth chart, presumably playing on special teams. Singletary is worth deploying as a mid-to-low RB2 in fantasy football this week.
Source: Jordan Raanan
Source: Jordan Raanan
Dylan Laube Added to the Injury Report with Illness
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (illness) has been added to the injury report ahead of Week 9 against the San Francisco 49ers, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com. It's important to note that Laube doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game, so he will play, barring a setback. Laube made some waves last week with a special teams touchdown, but he's not a reliable offensive contributor with just five carries, nine rushing yards, four catches, and 15 receiving yards this season. The Raiders did indicate that they want to get Laube some more opportunities out of the backfield going forward, but as long as he finds himself behind Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. on the depth chart, he'll remain off the fantasy football radar.
Source: Ryan McFadden
Source: Ryan McFadden
Eagles Elevate Elijah Mitchell for Week 9
The Philadelphia Eagles have elevated running back Elijah Mitchell to the active roster for Week 9 against the New York Giants. Mitchell had reverted to the practice squad following last week's game. The 28-year-old has suited up in two consecutive games for the Eagles, and Week 9 will be his third in a row. The veteran ball-carrier has totaled 14 carries, 45 rushing attempts, seven catches, and 26 receiving yards through his two games. His rushing workload and efficiency have been modest at best, but he has been a pleasant surprise in the passing game. Mitchell managed to log a 57% snap share and 15 touches last week, despite Saquon Barkley (hamstring, back) being active. Barkley doesn't carry an injury designation into Week 9, but we could still see the Eagles manage his workload and give Mitchell more touches. He ranks as a low-end RB3/flex option in leagues with 12+ teams.
Source: Jeff McLane
Source: Jeff McLane
