There were more big injuries in Week 9. As always, injuries play a crucial role when it comes to constructing our fantasy lineups. Here’s the status of players with the most interest to the fantasy community after the second weekend of NFL games:
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets – Fitzpatrick left Sunday’s game against the Dolphins and was diagnosed with a sprained MCL. He’s listed as day-to-day. Fitzpatrick was replaced by Bryce Petty. Petty will get the start this week against the Rams if Fitz isn’t ready to go.
Alex Smith, QB Chiefs – Smith missed Sunday’s game against the Jaguars with a concussion. Nick Foles started and led Jacksonville to a 19-14 victory. Andy Reid already announced that Smith will return Sunday versus the Panthers barring a setback. If there is a setback, Foles will get his second straight start.
Jameis Winston, QB Buccaneers – Winston left Thursday night’s game against Atlanta with a knee injury. However, Winston practiced Monday without a brace. He’s expected to start this week versus the Bears. Mike Glennon will get the nod if Winston is unable to play.
Tevin Coleman, RB Falcons – Coleman missed his second straight game last Thursday night with a hamstring injury. He did some light work on the side in Monday’s practice. The Falcons are hoping Coleman can return this week when they take on the Eagles. If he can’t, Devonta Freeman will dominate touches with Terron Ward backing him up.
Derrick Henry, RB Titans – After his best game of the season two weeks ago, Henry didn’t even see the field Sunday against the Chargers. He suffered a calf strain during warmups. Titans coach Mike Mularkey said Monday that Henry’s injury could cost him multiple weeks. He should be considered doubtful for Sunday’s game versus the Packers. Antonio Andrews will serve as DeMarco Murray’s backup until Henry is healthy.
Carlos Hyde, RB 49ers – Hyde missed Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury. He’s listed as week-to-week. The 49ers are hoping Hyde can return Sunday when they travel to Arizona but he should be considered questionable at best. DuJuan Harris earned the start against the Saints. He racked up 142 totals yards and a touchdown. Harris will continue to see a majority of touches until Hyde returns.
Jacquizz Rodgers, RB Buccaneers – Rodgers missed Thursday night’s game against the Falcons with a sprained foot. He didn’t practice on Monday. Doug Martin also missed practice and Antone Smith is out for the year. If Rodgers and Martin are both out this week, the Bucs will be down to Peyton Barber and Mike James at running back.
Spencer Ware, RB Chiefs – Ware missed Sunday’s game versus Jacksonville with a concussion. As of Monday Ware was still in the league’s concussion protocol. Charcandrick West started in Ware’s place but was ineffective. He’ll get the start again versus Carolina if Ware isn’t cleared with Knile Davis also seeing touches in the Chiefs backfield.
Travis Benjamin, WR Chargers – Benjamin left Sunday’s game with a knee injury. He had been dealing with a sprained MCL but trying to play through it. The Chargers have a bye in Week 11, so Benjamin could sit out Sunday versus the Dolphins to get extra rest if the injury isn’t serious. Tyrell Williams will be in line for more targets if Benjamin doesn’t play.
Victor Cruz, WR Giants – Cruz left Sunday’s game against the Eagles with an ankle injury. He had an MRI on his ankle and it was revealed that Cruz is dealing with a low sprain. He’s listed as day-to-day. The Giants play the Bengals on Monday night this week, so Cruz will have an extra day to get healthy.
Mike Evans, WR Buccaneers – Evans suffered a concussion in Thursday night’s loss to the Falcons. He’s in the league’s concussion protocol but Evans was practicing Monday. Evans still needs to get cleared but the fact that he’s already practicing gives him a good shot to play this week against the Bears.
Will Fuller, WR Texans – Fuller is dealing with a leg injury. Texans coach Bill O’Brien considers Fuller day-to-day coming off the bye week. Fuller didn’t practice on Monday. He should be considered questionable for Week 10.
Allen Hurns, WR Jaguars – Hurns suffered a concussion in Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs. He’s in the league’s concussion protocol. Hurns will need to get cleared by Sunday or Marqise Lee will start against the Texans. Lee has been targeted eight times in two of the last three games.
Jeremy Maclin, WR Chiefs – Maclin started against the Jaguars but re-aggravated a groin injury and left the game early. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Maclin’s injury is day-to-day but admitted the team could be without its No. 1 receiver this week. Rookie Tyreke Hill and Chris Conley will see an uptick in targets against the Panthers if Maclin is out.