If your favorite team drafted a receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft, odds are, you're feeling pretty good about that pick. There has been production up and down the draft board at the position, with stars emerging across the league. Puka Nacua and Josh Downs are two of the best rookie WRs this season, commanding the attention of fans, opposing defenses, and the fantasy and betting community. The problem is, both are "questionable" because of injuries heading into Week 9.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these emerging star rookie receivers and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 9 fantasy landscape.
WEEK 9 INJURY UPDATES: QBs | Mixon
Is Puka Nacua playing Week 9?
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Nacua is expected to play against the Packers.
UPDATE 2: Nacus is officially ACTIVE.
Nacua (knee) is listed as "questionable" ahead of the Rams matchup with the Packers in Green Bay at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. He's one of five Rams to be listed as "questionable", the most notable being QB Matthew Stafford (thumb). While Stafford didn't practice all week, Nacua was able to log three limited practices to arrive at his official status. On the bright side for fantasy owners, it does seem like Nacua is on the probable end of the "questionable" spectrum.
WEEK 9 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start 'em, sit 'em
As long as Nacua suits up, he'll be a must-start as usual. Quarterback uncertainty clouds the outlook for the Rams offense, but head coach Sean McVay has proven time and time again that he's capable of getting solid performances from backups. Even if Brett Rypien starts, L.A.'s scheme should help maintain a productive offense that always seems to have either Nacua or Cooper Kupp open on every play. If Nacua is a surprise scratch, Tutu Atwell would see more targets and be worth a flex spot.
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Is Josh Downs playing Week 9?
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Downs is "tracking to play" against Carolina on Sunday, but a final decision won't be made until after pre-game warmups.
UPDATE 2: Downs is officially ACTIVE.
Downs (knee) is "questionable" for the Colts showdown in Charlotte at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday. The rookie popped up on the injury report on Thursday with the knee injury, logging two limited practices to close the week. Considering the issue didn't force Downs out of practice, it seems that his status shouldn't be too much of a concern heading into Sunday.
WEEK 9 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
Something clicked for the rookie in Week 5 once Anthony Richardson (shoulder) went out. Downs has recorded at least 70 receiving yards in three-of-four games, scoring two touchdowns and seeing just over seven targets per game since Gardner Minshew took over. He projects as a flex option in Week 9, but fantasy owners will be left to debate whether it's worth waiting around for Downs. We might not have a concrete update on the rookie until 90 minutes before their late-window kickoff, meaning everyone will have to weigh their options on a team-by-team basis. Downs' recent production means we'd be inclined to wait and see, but not everyone will want to take the risk, especially depending on where you're at in the standings. If Downs is out, Alec Pierce would see a nice bump in targets and be a worthwhile flex play in deeper leagues.
