We're all tired of wondering what's going on with Davante Adams and DeSean Jackson, but both are now trending positively and could be active in Week 9. The same is true of Adam Thielen, Marquise Brown and Sterling Shepard. We're less sure on Dede Westbrook and Curtis Samuel, but overall, the Week 9 WR rankings have bulked up with these potential returns, though your start 'em, sit 'em questions undoubtedly remain plentiful. We have the latest injury updates here.
For injury news on Patrick Mahomes, click here; for updates on Miles Sanders and James Conner, go here; for the latest on banged-up WRS. For more on Follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy for more news and updates.
WEEK 9 NON-PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
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Is Davante Adams playing Week 9?
Adams has been out since Week 4 but appears closer to returning from his turf toe injury. Adams participated in the Packers' pad-less practice Wednesday, and he told The Athletic he can now push off on his routes with just soreness and not pain. Adams added, "I feel like I'm in a spot where I can make that call by myself," in regards to his availability for Week 9.
Green Bay takes on an uninspiring Chargers defense in Week 9, and the return of Adams makes him an automatic start in fantasy leagues once again. More interesting to follow will be how it affects the rest of the Packers' receiving corps, among which Allen Lazard has been the most-played the last two weeks. If Adams is back, he's the only Green Bay receiver you can start with confidence in Week 9. If he's out, Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling are both in play.
WEEK 9: Waiver wire | FAAB planner | Trade values | Snap counts
Adam Thielen injury update
Thielen was limited in Wednesday's Minnesota practice because of his hamstring injury. Thielen hadn't practiced prior to the Vikings' Week 8 Thursday night game, so this is a step in the right direction and toward the expectation Mike Zimmer laid out after that game that he expected to have Thielen back in Week 9.
The Chiefs' defense doesn't scare anyone, but it's actually the status of Patrick Mahomes that could determine how big a game the Vikings' wideouts have. An active Mahomes should lead to more of a shootout and boost the potential output of Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Both Minnesota wideouts are must-start fantasy players this week regardless.
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS: Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end
Will DeSean Jackson play Week 9?
Jackson was back practicing Wednesday for the first time since his Week 2 core injury. He was limited, but being limited on Wednesday ahead of a Sunday game gives him a solid chance to play against the Bears.
Jackson is a boom-or-bust WR3 basically every week once he's activated, and his return gives a boost to Carson Wentz. Wentz is still probably outside the top 12 this week against Chicago, but you feel better about his likely outcomes if Jackson is back.
WEEK 9 DFS LINEUPS:
Y! cash | Y! GPP | DK cash | DK GPP | FD cash | FD GPP
Start or sit Marquise Brown?
Brown should return from injury to play the Patriots on Sunday as every indication is he's back to full health. That means a lot of one-on-one time with Stephon Gilmore.
We'd sit Brown this week if you have a better option. New England's defense has shut down every passing attack it has faced. Brown does bring big-play potential to the table, but the odds of that hitting on Sunday don't seem high.
MORE WEEK 9 DFS: Stacks | Values | Lineup builder
Dede Westbrook injury update
Westbrook has played through a shoulder injury for the past two games, but he left Sunday's game early. He was limited in Wednesday's practice. Chris Conley topped 100 yards and scored a touchdown thanks in part to Westbrook's early exit Sunday.
Against the Texans in London, Westbrook is a solid WR3 play if he's active, while Conley shifts into that same standing if Westbrook is out. As usual, DJ Chark is the top option in this passing game.
Curtis Samuel injury news
We didn't know of a Samuel injury prior to Wednesday, but he missed out on Wednesday's practice due to a shoulder injury that Ron Rivera said Samuel sustained diving for a catch Sunday. The Panthers play the Titans in Week 9.
Samuel's only a possible FLEX play against a solid Tennessee pass defense, but D.J. Moore probably gets a slight boost if Samuel is out and should be a fantasy starter probably regardless. If Samuel is out, Jarius Wright will be the Panthers' second receiver, but he'd only be a DFS or deep PPR league dart throw.
Sterling Shepard concussion update
Shepard, trying to come back from his second concussion in five weeks, practiced without a non-contact jersey for the first time Wednesday. The Giants play Monday night against the Cowboys, but we should have a good idea of Shepard's status by the end of the week.
Shepard's return puts him back into WR3 territory and is a slight hit to the fantasy value of Golden Tate. Both are borderline plays against an adequate Dallas pass defense on Monday night.