NFL news fantasy football managers need to monitor before setting Week 10 lineups: RB injuries mounting
Justin Boone examines the latest injury updates and NFL news that fantasy football managers need to monitor before setting their Week 10 lineups. You can also consult his rankings, which he'll continue to update throughout the week, to help you with your start-sit decisions.
Quarterback
Brock Purdy, 49ers
The Purdy watch continues with the 49ers quarterback practicing in a limited fashion for yet another week. Unfortunately, at the moment it remains unclear if he’ll suit up in an important divisional game against the Rams. This matchup would be a tough one to return with, since the Rams are allowing the fifth fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Until we see Purdy log a full practice, I would expect him to remain sidelined. If Mac Jones gets another start here, you should downgrade him to a risky QB2 streamer.
Jacoby Brissett/Kyler Murray, Cardinals
Brissett is officially the Cardinals’ starter with Murray on injured reserve, but Arizona will face an extremely difficult challenge this week in the Seahawks. Seattle has only given up 260 passing yards or more to one quarterback this season and are permitting the 13th fewest fantasy points to the position. Brissett actually started against this defense last year as a member of the Patriots and only managed 149 passing yards and a touchdown. After a few strong outings, you should consider the veteran a risky QB2 streamer due to this matchup.
Running Back
We’ve reached that point in the season when running back injuries are mounting. James Cook (ankle/foot), Rico Dowdle (quad), Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder/toe), Rhamondre Steveson (toe), D’Andre Swift (groin) and Alvin Kamara (ankle) are among the backs we need to monitor this week.
James Cook, Bills
If Cook is unable to suit up for the Bills, he’ll miss out on an excellent matchup in Miami. His loss would likely be Ray Davis’ gain. Though Ty Johnson has earned more touches lately behind Cook, Davis was the one who stepped in when Cook missed time last season and delivered 152 scrimmage yards on 23 touches. In a scenario where Cook is inactive, Davis would be a fantasy RB2 with Johnson working in as a flex option. Even if Cook plays, we might see him get less work than usual, assuming the Bills go up big as the 9.5-point line implies.
Aaron Jones Sr., Vikings
Jordan Mason was relegated to complementary duty when Jones returned to Minnesota’s backfield in recent weeks. However, if Jones were to miss time it would open the door for Mason to see more touches again. The Ravens are allowing the fifth most fantasy points to running backs, so the matchup is enticing. If Jones is available, he’ll be a low-end fantasy RB2 with Mason as a TD-or-bust RB3/flex, but if Jones misses then Mason will occupy a spot in the low-end RB2 range.
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Wide Receiver
Garrett Wilson, Jets
Wilson is back at practice and started the week limited as he tries to return from a knee injury. Prior to getting hurt, Wlson was the WR6 overall in fantasy points per game. The Jets are also facing the Browns’ defense that’s easier to throw on than run against. If Wilson is active, he should go right back into your lineup as a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside.
Jaguars WRs
It looks like Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) and Dyami Brown (concussion) could miss this week. With Travis Hunter already on IR and Jakobi Meyers just acquired in a trade, the Jaguars’ receiver room is dealing with a lot of change. Meyers will be a volatile WR4/flex as he tries to learn the offense on the fly. Parker Washington, who the team confirmed will get plenty of work out of the slot, has a chance to provide WR3/flex value until everyone is healthy/up to speed.
Tight End
Cole Kmet, Bears
Kmet is working his way through concussion protocol, but most players miss at least one week before getting cleared. That should help position rookie Colston Loveland for another top-12 fantasy tight end result in Week 10.
Darnell Washington, Steelers
Washington is dealing with a foot injury that caused him to miss the start of the practice week. If he’s unable to play, Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth would become more attractive TE2 streamers.