Pass-catchers Calvin Ridley, Julio Jones, Davante Adams, Darren Waller, and Dawson Knox all missed their last games, and their Week 9 statuses will have a huge impact on fantasy TE and WR rankings. We have updates on each player's outlook, whether they're out because of injury, COVID, or a personal matter.
For the latest on banged-up QBs Jameis Winston and Sam Darnold, click here; for injury news on Derrick Henry, James Robinson, Rob Gronkowski, and T.Y. Hilton, go here; for updates on ailing RBs Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, David Montgomery, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, go here; for the latest on key pass-catchers Calvin Ridley, Julio Jones, Darren Waller, and more, click here; for more on injured QBs Dak Prescott and Tyrod Taylor, click here. For all the latest fantasy news, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
MORE WEEK 9: Top waiver pickups | FAAB budget planner | Buy-Low, Sell-High
Calvin Ridley update
Ridley is out indefinitely with personal issues, and it sounds like his absence could last for the majority of the regular season. While we won't speculate on his situation, we need to figure out how this affects other Falcons' pass-catchers. Russell Gage, Tajae Sharpe, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Kyle Pitts figure to be the top options in the passing game, with Pitts and Patterson being "must-starts" in fantasy.
Sharpe and Gage will be attractive in favorable matchups, and although Sharpe was much more productive in Week 8, Gage's season-long outlook is viewed as stronger as of now. Overall, this might wind up like the Lions where you feel good about an RB (or two) every week and the TE, but you can't really trust any of the WRs.
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Julio Jones injury update
Jones (hamstring) continues to be afflicted by soft-tissue injuries, and although we knew in preseason he would probably miss a couple of games this year, this situation is getting frustrating for fantasy owners. With Jones, we can only take practice reports with a grain of salt, as he could miss practice all week and play or practice all week and sit. We've already seen this happen this season, so we'll have to wait until Sunday night to see if he'll be active. With Derrick Henry (foot) likely out for the remainder of the regular season, Tennessee might be more willing to play Jones in a "questionable" situation.
If he does play this week, we like him as the WR25 in standard leagues and WR26 in PPR leagues. His floor is much lower, but Tennessee should have to pass to keep up against the Rams. With Henry out and Matthew Stafford on the other sidelines, don't be shocked if Ryan Tannehill attempts a ton of passes. Even a banged-up Julio should have the chance to produce.
WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Davante Adams COVID-19 update
As of Monday, Adams was still sidelined on the reserve/COVID list, but he should be on track to be ready against Kansas City. It all comes down to him clearing COVID-19 protocols, so it's not smart to speculate -- just stay tuned for further updates. Assuming Allen Lazard (reserve/COVID) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (hamstring) are back like they are expected to be, they'd be worthwhile flex options facing off against a struggling Kansas City secondary.
If Adams does play, we rank him as the WR2 in standard and PPR leagues.
Darren Waller injury update
Waller (ankle) was out in Week 7 before having a Week 8 bye. However, he was close to playing in Week 7, so he figures to be on track to play against the Giants. Setbacks happen, though, so stay tuned for further updates.
If he plays, we like him as our TE3 in standard leagues and TE2 in PPR. We haven't seen as many explosive weeks as expected, but he remains a top option at tight end. If he's out, Foster Moreau is an attractive streaming option. This offense loves feeding the tight end, shown by Moreau's six receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown in Waller's absence.
Dawson Knox injury update
Knox (hand) is day-to-day, so realistically, we'll just have to check back on his status heading into a matchup with Jacksonville. The Jags give up the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends, and based on Knox's production this season, he is a top option if he can go. That said, there is a chance he's on a snap count, so the risk is there.
We currently assume Knox will be out, as his initial diagnosis was three weeks, and although Tommy Sweeney is the starting tight end, Gabriel Davis is really the beneficiary if Knox doesn't play. Buffalo opted to play more four-wide sets rather than feed Sweeney.