It looks like the long wait for A.J. Green to play in 2019 will end in Week 10, as he's expected return to catch passes from rookie Ryan Finley. O.J. Howard will also be back just in time to take on the worst defense at covering tight ends. We might have to wait a bit longer for the returns of Brandin Cooks and Delanie Walker, though. Their continued absences would elevate Josh Reynolds and Jonnu Smith into fantasy sleeper territory for Week 10.
For injury updates on banged-up WRs Adam Thielen and DeSean Jackson, click here; for more on QBs Patrick Mahomes and Matt Ryan, go here; for news on injured RBs Alvin Kamara, David Johnson, and James Conner, go here. Follow us at @SN_Fantasy for more news and updates.
WEEK 10 NON-PPR RANKINGS
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Will A.J. Green play Week 10?
NFL Network reported during the Bengals' Week 9 bye that Green expects to return in Week 10. Green hasn't played yet this season after injuring his ankle in the preseason. His return will coincide with the first NFL start of rookie Ryan Finley.
(Update: Green didn't practice Wednesday, and Bengals coach Zac Taylor told reporters that Green is "day to day.")
Green should immediately step into his No. 1 WR role for the Bengals, while Tyler Boyd should still be featured out of the slot. Only one of Alex Erickson and Auden Tate will maintain any semblance of fantasy value. Green obviously had a long-standing relationship with Andy Dalton, but if there was one thing Finley was known for at North Carolina State, it was arm talent, so maybe things will be just fine in Cincinnati's passing game.
WEEK 10 DFS LINEUPS:
Y! cash | Y! GPP | DK cash | FD cash | FD GPP
Brandin Cooks concussion news
Sean McVay told reporters Monday that the Rams "don't know" when Cooks will play again after he sustained a concussion in Week 8 before the Rams bye. That doesn't spell optimism for his Week 10 outlook. Josh Reynolds would start in Cooks' place.
(Update: Brandin Cooks is officially OUT for Week 10.)
Reynolds essentially played every snap Cooks would play when he took over for him in Week 8, catching three-of-eight targets for 73 yards and a score As we've said with this offense all season, you never really can count on all of Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Cooks (and now Gerald Everett) in a given week, but usually a couple deliver deliver. Reynolds will step into that risk-reward WR setup with a decent Week 10 matchup against the Steelers, and he should be snagged off waiver wires if available.
WEEK 10 PPR RANKINGS: Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end
O.J. Howard Week 10 status
Bruce Arians told reporters Monday that Howard is "ready to roll" for Week 10, which is especially good since Cameron Brate is dealing with a ribs injury. The Buccaneers play the Cardinals, who've allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends in 2019.
Howard had dropped below 50 percent ownership on most fantasy sites, so check if he's available on your waiver wire. He should be started in every fantasy league this week against Arizona.
MORE WEEK 10:
Waiver pickups | FAAB planner | Snap counts | Trade values | Fantasy playoff SOS
Delanie Walker injury update
Walker told reporters Monday that he feels "comfortable enough to practice." He got rid of a walking boot Monday that he had been wearing. A return to the practice field will be Walker's first step toward getting back on the field for games, but it still might be a week off.
Tennessee has a good TE matchup in Week 10 against Kansas City and could also trail early, forcing more passing. If Walker is out again, Jonnu Smith should be in consideration as a fantasy starter.