Unless you're a running back, it was a bad week to be on the football field. Quarterbacks, pass-catchers, and offensive linemen highlighted an overall brutal week for injuries across the league. Drake London, Darren Waller, Curtis Samuel, and Kendrick Bourne all exited Week 8 and did not return. What does that mean for the road ahead in fantasy football?
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these important pass-catchers and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 9 fantasy landscape.
For updates on banged-up QBs Matthew Stafford, Kirk Cousins, Kenny Pickett, and Desmond Ridder, click here. For news on more ailing QBs, including Kyler Murray, Deshaun Watson, Daniel Jones, and Justin Fields, go here.
WEEK 9 FANTASY: Top waiver pickups | FAAB budget planner | Trade advice
Drake London injury update, Week 9 fantasy outlook
London's season has been quirky, to say the least. He's gone from a receiver who was once ignored in the passing game to seeing a lot of targets. He went from flipping and being twisted into a pretzel in Week 7 only to suffer an injury in Week 8 on a more routine-looking play. Regardless, the receiver exited with a groin injury in the third quarter, leaving his status in doubt moving forward. That was until Arthur Smith said Monday that the injury wasn't as bad as the team thought, adding that the team will see how the week goes with him.
Next up for the Falcons is a home game against the Kirk Cousins-less Vikings, as they try to get back on track following a disappointing effort in Tennessee against the Titans. Desmond Ridder (head) watched from the sidelines as Taylor Heinicke tried to lead the comeback, ultimately falling short, but based on Heinicke's performance on Sunday, we can safely conclude that London's ceiling might be higher with him instead of Ridder. If London is sidelined, we'd avoid the Atlanta receivers entirely. The team is hard enough to predict with their stars let alone the backups. KhaDarel Hodge ended up having the best game from a receiver standpoint on the Atlanta side of things, but his production is not something to count on moving forward.
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Darren Waller injury update, Week 9 fantasy outlook
It was only a matter of time before Waller (hamstring) hit the injury report again. The tight end has battled injuries again this season, but up to this point, he remained mostly healthy despite hamstring and groin ailments that have threatened practice availability. The Jets and Giants were dealt a bad hand by Mother Nature on Sunday, treated to a cold, pouring rain on a turf that has already claimed countless players in the past. Waller was one of many who were forced out of action on Sunday and did not return.
Since the Giants also lost Tyrod Taylor (ribs) in the process and were forced to turn to third-string rookie Tommy DeVito, the team didn't throw the ball much for the remainder of the game. In total, DeVito threw just seven passes, completing two. Daniel Jones (neck) was cleared for contact and will practice ahead of the Giants game against the Raiders in Week 9, giving the offense a boost. If Waller is forced to miss time, Daniel Bellinger becomes fantasy relevant as the tight end next in line, though it's hard to trust anyone outside of Saquon Barkley to be productive in this shaky offense.
WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Curtis Samuel injury update, Week 9 fantasy outlook
Samuel entered Week 8 with a foot injury and was listed as "questionable," and he was ultimately forced out of action with what we can conclude is likely the same injury that plagued him all week long. Samuel continued to see involvement in the offense, hauling in four catches for 22 yards before departing.
The receiver has been a flex candidate when in the lineup, and Jamison Crowder could emerge in his absence. Crowder hauled in seven catches for 95 yards and a touchdown on Sunday against a solid Eagles defense, and heading into a matchup against the Patriots in Week 9, Crowder would be a flex candidate if Samuel can't play. Ultimately, though, Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Logan Thomas will likely just see more targets.
Kendrick Bourne injury update
Bourne has been the Patriots best receiver in 2023 on an otherwise struggling offense. He has 37 catches, 406 yards, and four touchdowns through the first eight games, but those numbers will be his final total for this season after suffering a torn ACL in Sunday's loss to the Dolphins.
With DeVante Parker (concussion) also banged up, Demario Douglas and JuJu Smith-Schuster will see more targets against the Commanders' porous pass defense. Both are worth adding and using as flexes in deep leagues.
