Not many highly-drafted players went down in Week 9, but several top running backs are close to returning. Is one of them on your team? Let’s take a look at who’s okay, who might be okay, who’s going to miss some time and who you should target as a replacement.
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Quarterbacks
Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ): sprained MCL
Fitzpatrick hasn’t exactly been a fantasy gold mine this season, so hopefully times aren’t dark enough for you to consider using him. There’s still no word on how much time Fitzpatrick will miss, if any.
Next up: Bryce Petty
Petty has completed every single pass he’s attempted in his NFL career. Granted, he’s only thrown two of them. Avoid Petty just as you would any other Jets’ quarterback.
Running Backs
Derrick Henry (TEN): undisclosed calf injury
Henry injured his calf in warmups and didn’t play. He’s having an MRI Monday, so we’ll just have to wait and see how extensive the damage is.
Next up: Antonio Andrews
Andrews only got two carries Sunday, so it’s not like he should be anywhere near your starting lineup. He’d be valuable as DeMarco Murray’s handcuff, though, and worth a roster spot if Henry is going to miss significant time.
Wide Receivers
Jeremy Maclin (KC): groin strain
Maclin suffered the injury in practice Thursday and tried to tough it out, but he couldn’t make it through the opening drive. This looks like a LeSean McCoy situation, where Maclin rushed back and will now probably miss some time to fully recover.
Next up: Tyreek Hill, Chris Conley, Albert Wilson
None of the three stepped up and took a significant portion of the 187 yards Nick Foles provided. Wilson scored a touchdown, but it was his first of the season. He saw a team-high eight targets, though Travis Kelce probably would have gotten more if he didn’t get ejected.
Hill managed 32 yards from scrimmage, but he’s always a threat for a long score or a return touchdown. Conley is averaging under 40 yards a game and hasn’t scored this season. This is pretty much a situation to avoid unless you feel lucky.
Travis Benjamin (SD): PCL sprain
Like Maclin, Benjamin tried to play but didn’t last long. He needs rest and rehab, so the Chargers could give him Week 10 off seeing as their bye is the following week.
Next up: N/A
29 of Philip Rivers’ 33 targets went to Antonio Gates (nine), Dontrelle Inman (nine), Tyrell Williams (seven) and Melvin Gordon (four). Those guys are all likely rostered in standard 12-team leagues, so there’s no need to scour the waiver wire for San Diego receivers at the moment.
Allen Hurns (JAX): concussion, undisclosed ankle injury
Hurns suffered the ankle injury, returned to the game, then left again to be evaluated for a concussion. He didn’t record a catch against Kansas City and is a toss-up for Week 10.
Next up: Marqise Lee
Lee got eight targets, which was second only to Allen Robinson. He also led the team with 84 yards, though 51 of them came on one play. Lee faces the Texans this week, who have been tough on opposing receivers.
Of course, we can never discount Lee as long as “Garbage Man” is at quarterback. Lee will be a decent bye week fill-in if Hurns sits.
Victor Cruz (NYG): ankle sprain
Cruz’s injury doesn’t look to be serious. The Giants play Monday night in Week 10, so make sure to have a backup plan if you’re counting on Cruz.
Next up: N/A
His absence could mean a few extra looks for Sterling Shepard or Roger Lewis, but neither player is looking at a significant boost from where they already are.
Reexaminations
Quarterbacks
Jameis Winston (TB)
Winston looks to be fine. He might not even show up on the injury report.
Tony Romo (DAL)
Jerry Jones said Romo could be active this week, but it probably won’t happen.
Running Backs
Jamaal Charles (KC)
Charles is on IR and hopes to be ready for Week 17. Drop him if you haven’t already.
Spencer Ware (KC)
Ware’s concussion kept him out Week 9. His status for Week 10 is up in the air, so monitor practice reports.
Doug Martin (TB)
Martin still hasn’t returned to practice. Try to keep the faith.
Jacquizz Rodgers (TB)
Rodgers is still wearing a walking boot. That’s obviously a bad sign for his Week 10 availability.
Thomas Rawls (SEA)
Rawls’ is now targeting a Week 11 return. Who knows what his target date will be next week.
Dion Lewis (NE)
Lewis is still on the PUP list. He will have to be activated in the next two weeks if he’s going to play this season.
James Starks (GB)
Starks was inactive against the Colts, and the Packers are signing Joique Bell. It’s possible Starks will miss another game.
Wide Receivers
Mike Evans (TB)
Evans was evaluated for a concussion Thursday night, but he has returned to practice. It looks like he’s fine.
Tight Ends
Ladarius Green (PIT)
Green is still on the PUP list. The waiting game continues.
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Derek Norton is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Derek, visit LeagueSafe Post, his archive, or follow him on Twitter @mdereknorton.