The NFL infirmary is overflowing. No position is spared, and the stars aren't either. The 2023 season is a battle of attrition, the ultimate survive-and-advance. With some key players nearing returns in Week 10, Christian Watson, Dallas Goedert, Josh Downs, and K.J. Osborn were the sacrifices last week to make room for the others, creating more waiver-wire drama and start 'em, sit 'em headaches for fantasy owners.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these impact pass-catchers and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 10 fantasy landscape.
For updates on banged-up WRs Justin Jefferson, Deebo Samuel, and Drake London, click here; for more on hurting RBs James Conner, David Montgomery, and Dameon Pierce, click here; for the latest on Justin Fields, click here; for updates on Khalil Herbert, go here.
WEEK 10 FANTASY: Top pickups | FAAB budget planner
Christian Watson injury update, Week 10 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Packers' coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday that the team does not have any long-term concerns about Watson's health.
For the first time since late September, the Packers are back in the win column. The team suffered through a four-game losing streak and, perhaps as payment, lost Watson in the process. The receiver is no stranger to injuries and has become a fixture in our weekly updates, so it will come as no surprise to fantasy owners who have also gone down this road before. Watson hauled in his first catch of the day for 37 yards with around five minutes left in the fourth quarter and promptly left right after that, unable to return. Granted the Packers were up 13-3 at the time and would soon score again to make it 20-3, but Watson was said to be under evaluation for chest and back injuries as well as a concussion.
Regardless of his status going forward, it’s hard to trust Watson after only seeing two targets on Sunday. He’s only surpassed 40 yards receiving once in five tries and scored a single touchdown. His production already makes him hard to trust in a bad offense. The injuries might as well make it impossible. Jayden Reed will continue to see more looks if Watson misses time, but it's tough to trust Green Bay's passing game against anyone right now.
WEEK 10 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Dallas Goedert injury update, Week 10 fantasy outlook
It took a while for Goedert to get going this season and it’s going to take him quite some time to get started again. The tight end suffered a fractured forearm on Sunday against the Cowboys when he landed awkwardly after a catch in the third quarter. As reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Goedert is expected to undergo surgery and miss multiple weeks. The timeline for a return won’t be completely clear until after the surgery, but NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo said Goedert’s absence is likely similar to the five games he missed last year.
The tight end’s production was already down from last year. Now, based on Garafolo’s report, we might not see him until around Week 15. While Eagles’ fans can welcome him back for the playoffs, fantasy owners might not have the same luxury. In the meantime, immediate options on the Philly roster include Jack Stoll, though he’s been mostly a blocker this season. Albert Okwuegbunam was a receiving option for the Broncos prior to his arrival in the City of Brotherly Love, meaning he could become the top replacement option for Goedert. It remains to be seen whether the Eagles look to the open market or rely more heavily on their receivers and running backs to fill the void. The team is on a bye in Week 10, so it will be a little while before we see how the team approaches things. For Goedert owners, guys like Gerald Everett, Cade Otton, and Luke Musgrave are worthwhile long-term pickups.
WEEK 10 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Josh Downs injury update, Week 10 fantasy outlook
Downs was "questionable" heading into Week 9 with a knee injury, but it didn't seem overly concerning once he was made active for Sunday's game. However, the former North Carolina star recorded one catch for 10 yards in his return to the Tar Heel State and was never heard from again as the game unfolded in Charlotte.
The Colts officially ruled Downs (knee) out after halftime. Head coach Shane Steichen said after the game that it wasn't a new injury for Downs, adding that it was a continuation of what he dealt with during the week, according to the IndyStar's Joel A. Erickson. Isaiah McKenzie filled the void in the rookie's absence and seems primed to continue that if Downs is forced to miss time.
K.J. Osborn injury update, Week 10 fantasy outlook
In a world where no one can seem to agree on anything, around 70,000 people in Atlanta agreed to sit in silence with concern for Osborn after a nasty hit over the middle. He lay motionless on the field for a while, but he eventually stood up and walked to the cart, a good sign all things considered.
Osborn will now have to clear concussion protocol in order to return to game action. His mother said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that her son is OK. It's unlikely we see Osborn in Week 10, but that will be something to watch as the week moves along.
