The 49ers are dealing with quite a few injuries after their Week 8 loss to the Seahawks, and that includes starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo and recently activated RB Tevin Coleman. Another NFC West team saw a key contributor go down, as well, as the Rams lost Darrell Henderson early in their loss to the Dolphins. These injuries will have an impact on fantasy football owners fighting for playoff spots as they look to find waiver wire pickups that can help them in Week 9 and beyond.
For updates on banged-up pass-catchers George Kittle, Kenny Golladay, and T.Y. Hilton, click here. For more fantasy injury updates and news, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Jimmy Garoppolo injury update
UPDATE: Garoppolo is dealing with a high-ankle injury, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. He has been placed on IR and will miss at least the next three games.
Garoppolo left the 49ers' loss to the Seahawks after suffering an apparent injury in the third quarter. Garoppolo came off the field on multiple occasions and headed back to the locker room. He didn't return to action.
Garoppolo has dealt with an ankle injury at times this season, so he could have aggravated that injury. Either way, his status for the 49ers' Thursday Night Football game against the Packers looks bleak given how bad he looked on the field Sunday and how heavily he was limping to the locker room. Perhaps he'll surprise and be active, but if he did re-injure his ankle, the 49ers will probably keep him out to ensure he doesn't make it worse.
If Garoppolo has to miss time, Nick Mullens will once again be the starter. Mullens shouldn't be considered anything more than an option for two-QB and Superflex leagues even against a mediocre Packers defense. San Francisco's pass-catchers will be slightly downgraded with Mullens in at QB, but the volume available for Brandon Aiyuk and Kendrick Bourne with George Kittle (ankle) questionable still will make them viable WR3/flex plays.
WEEK 9 FANTASY: Top pickups | FAAB budget planner | Buy-low, sell-high
Darrell Henderson injury update
Henderson exited the Rams loss to the Dolphins after suffering a thigh injury right before halftime. He didn't return, and it's unclear just how severe his injury might be.
The Rams are on bye in Week 9, so unless Henderson's injury is of the severe variety, he shouldn't be out too long. That said, if he does miss any action, Malcolm Brown and Cam Akers will split carries in the LA backfield. Brown has consistently seen carries all season, so he would likely be the lead back and should certainly be stashed as a potential RB2/flex play if he's available on waivers. Even if Henderson does return, Brown is a fine handcuff to own.
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Tevin Coleman injury update
UPDATE: Coleman has already been ruled "out" for Week 9.
Coleman was activated from IR after missing five weeks with a knee sprain, but his return didn't last too long. Near the end of the first quarter, Coleman left the game with a knee injury and didn't return. It's possible he could have aggravated his previous injury.
Even if Coleman didn't re-injure his balky knee, it's hard to imagine him playing on a short week for the 49ers. That will leave the team with just two healthy running backs, JaMycal Hasty and Jerick McKinnon. Considering that McKinnon is dealing with "tired legs," Hasty has a legitimate shot to handle 20-plus touches against a Packers defense that was just gashed by Dalvin Cook. He's a must-add in all fantasy formats ahead of Thursday Night Football.
