Titans RB Tyjae Spears (hamstring) was limited in Wednesday's practice but is on track to return for this weekend's game vs. the Patriots, according to HC Brian Callahan. “Should be good to go this week," Callahan said of Spears. "Again, we’ll see, we’ll take it day to day on what he feels like after some practices, but expect him to have a good chance to play.” Spears would be a desperation Week 9 fantasy play but figures to take some touches from RB Tony Pollard.
Titans RB Tony Pollard (foot) did not practice on Wednesday. It's a new injury for Pollard, but we've heard nothing to suggest that he's in danger of missing this weekend's game vs. the Patriots. We'll see if he gets back on the practice field tomorrow.
Patriots QB Drake Maye (concussion) got in a limited practice on Wednesday. That means he's made some progress through the protocol and has a chance to be cleared in time to play vs. the Titans this weekend. We'll keep you updated on the rookie's status over the next few days.
Giants RB Tyrone Tracy (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday. He's a long shot to be cleared for Sunday's game vs. the Commanders, which comes just six days after his concussion. RB Devin Singletary figures to dominate backfield work for the G-Men this weekend.
Browns RB Jerome Ford (hamstring) returned to a limited practice on Wednesday. He seemingly has a shot to play vs the Chargers this weekend. Ford wouldn't be a recommended Week 9 fantasy starter but could steal work from RB Nick Chubb, particularly in the passing game.
Chargers WR Quentin Johnston (ankle) put in a limited practice on Wednesday. That should give him a good shot to return for this weekend's game vs. the Browns. Johnston averaged just 4.5 targets, 2.8 catches, and 36 yards over the first four games of the season, although he scored three times. He has a chance to be a fantasy factor with the Chargers throwing more lately, but Johnston should not be in your Week 9 fantasy plans.
Bengals WR Tee Higgins (quad) remained sidelined for Wednesday's practice. At this point, fantasy owners should not be counting on Higgins in Week 9 lineups. We'll keep you updated on his status leading up to Sunday's game vs. the Raiders.
Panthers QB Andy Dalton (thumb) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice but will back up QB Bryce Young vs. the Saints this weekend, HC Dave Canales announced. “We’ll take all the information from this week, and then go forward and make the next best decision for the team," Canales said of the QB situation. It sounds like a week-to-week decision at this point. Young played one of his better games as a pro in the Week 8 loss to the Broncos -- but that, of course, isn't saying much. He completed 65% of his passes at 6.1 yards per attempt with two TDs and two INTs. Young is still an avoid in all fantasy formats.
Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks (knee) put in a full practice on Wednesday for the first time since coming off the PUP list. He's seemingly getting close to his 2024 debut, which could come against the Saints this weekend. We'll let you know if and when Carolina elevates him to the active roster, but Brooks won't be a viable fantasy play in his first game.
Saints QB Derek Carr (oblique) got in a limited practice on Wednesday. HC Dennis Allen has been optimistic about Carr's chances of returning for this weekend's game against the Panthers but has stopped short of guaranteeing it. We'll keep you updated on his status over the next few days.
Bills WR Amari Cooper (wrist) was limited in Wednesday's practice. HC Sean McDermott said earlier in the day that Cooper wouldn't practice at all, but he evidently felt good enough to get out there. We'll keep an eye on this wrist issue, but Cooper should be available for Sunday's game vs. the Dolphins.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson did not practice on Wednesday and is on the injury report with back and knee issues. HC John Harbaugh said it was just a rest day, though, so it doesn't sound like Jackson is in any danger of missing this weekend's game vs. the Broncos. We'll let you know if that changes.
Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle is not listed on the Week 9 injury report. He was a late scratch on Sunday night due to an illness but will be back for this weekend's game vs. the Falcons. Neither RB Ezekiel Elliott nor RB Dalvin Cook was very impressive in the loss to the 49ers, so we're expecting Dowdle to return as Dallas' lead back.
Jets WR Allen Lazard (chest) is out for Thursday night's game vs. the Texans. WR Mike Williams, who's gone the way of Jeff Janis, played 36 snaps as the No. 3 WR last week but wasn't targeted by QB Aaron Rodgers.
Texans RB Dameon Pierce (groin) is out for Thursday night's game vs. the Jets. He's carried just 11 times over the past three weeks with RB Joe Mixon back, including three carries over the last two games, so there's little fantasy impact here. Mixon already projected to be super busy against the run-funnel Jets.
Insider Josina Anderson hears that the Ravens plan on making Diontae Johnson the No. 3 WR behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
Jets K Greg Zuerlein will miss Thursday night's game vs. the Texans with a knee injury, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Perhaps the knee explains Zuerlein's struggles this season. He's connected on just nine of 15 FG attempts through eight games. The Jets signed Ks Riley Patterson and Spencer Shrader to their practice squad. One of them will kick against Houston, but you should avoid the situation in fantasy lineups.
Update: Zuerlein has been placed on IR. He can be dropped from fantasy rosters.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid said Monday that WR DeAndre Hopkins should be ready to play more vs. the Bucs on Monday night. He ran a route on just 33% of pass plays in his debut last week, catching two of three targets for 29 yards.
A Colts source tells ESPN's Stephen Holder that the team is "not quitting" on QB Anthony Richardson. "They want Richardson to take a step back, take a break from the pressures of the job and try to grow during this time," Holder adds.
Panthers WR Diontae Johnson has been traded to the Baltimore Ravens. The move cost the Ravens very little swapping a 2025 5th round pick to the panthers for Johnson and a 2025 6th round pick. Johnson adds another weapon for Lamar Jackson, but it is a less than stellar landing spot for Johnson's fantasy potential this season.
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