NFL teams released their final Week 9 injury reports Friday, with a number of teams expected to get key players back.
Ryan Fitzpatrick will start under center with a thumb injury as Marcus Mariota gears up to return after battling a knee injury. Kiko Alonso is ready to get back on the field after sitting out the last several weeks, though T.Y. Hilton may not be so lucky.
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Here are the five most impactful injuries heading into Week 9:
Marcus Mariota
The Titans rookie quarterback will reclaim his starting job from Zach Mettenberger against the Saints Sunday after missing the last two games with a knee injury.
Mariota was diagnosed with a sprained MCL in his left knee after taking a low hit by defensive end Olivier Vernon in a Week 5 loss to the Dolphins. He was listed as a full participant at practice this week, the first under interim coach Mike Mularkey after Ken Whisenhunt was surprisingly fired Tuesday. Before getting hurt, Mariota had completed 103 of 162 passes for 1,239 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions this season, adding 72 yards rushing on 10 carries.
The Titans offense has struggled under both Mariota and Mettenberger, ranking 31st in the league in yards per game (309.9) and points per game (17.9). Tennessee has also allowed a league-high four sacks per game after Mettenberger was sacked seven times last week at Houston.
Ryan Fitzpatrick
The veteran quarterback has been named the Jets' starter for Sunday against the Jaguars, despite a thumb injury.
Fitzpatrick is progressing from ligament damage in his left thumb, which he confirmed will eventually require surgery. He wore a protective glove on his left hand, claiming he practiced without limitations as he participated in throwing drills this week. He and backup Geno Smith are considered "day to day" after suffering injuries in last Sunday’s loss to the Raiders. Coach Todd Bowles acknowledged the concern Fitzpatrick's injury could get worse, adding he will be closely monitored.
Fitzpatrick will look to play through the pain and help the Jets attempt to snap their two-game losing streak. He has thrown for 1,518 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season.
Brandon Marshall
Ryan Fitzpatrick and his injured thumb may not have the team's top target Sunday, with Marshall listed as questionable to suit up against the Jaguars with an ankle injury.
Eric Decker is probable with a bum knee, but Marshall's matchup against a Jags defense allowing the eighth-most passing yards is scintillating for the Jets offense and Marshall fantasy owners alike. Marshall missed practice Wednesday and was a limited participant Thursday and Friday. Coach Todd Bowles said Marshall was "getting a little better day by day." But after the stunt the team pulled with running back Chris Ivory in Week 3 — when he was listed as questionable, deemed active and didn't see the field for a single snap — it's wise to approach the Marshall situation with caution.
Making the Marshall situation even more muddy is the short turnaround the team faces after taking on Jacksonville with a Thursday night game against division foe Buffalo. If Bowles feels the team can handle the Jags without Marshall, he may sit him down with a Thursday return in mind.
T.Y. Hilton
The Colts wide receiver suffered a foot sprain in Monday's overtime loss to the Panthers, leaving his availability for Sunday against the undefeated Broncos in question. He's listed as questionable on the Colts' final injury report.
Hilton missed his third consecutive day of practice Friday and was still sporting a walking boot at the team's workout, indicating his injury could be of concern with the Broncos’ top-ranked defense rolling into Indianapolis. Denver held quarterback Aaron Rodgers to just 77 passing yards in Sunday's dominating win over the Packers.
Hilton has registered 38 catches for 621 yards and three touchdowns this season. He played 80 of the Colts’ 86 offensive plays Monday and logged a season-low 15 yards on one catch and seven targets.
Kiko Alonso
After missing all but one game this season, the Eagles linebacker is listed as probable and expected to return to action Sunday against the Cowboys.
Alonso was acquired by the Eagles in a trade with the Bills for running back LeSean McCoy and boasted a terrific debut in a Week 1 loss to Atlanta after nabbing a one-handed interception. He then injured his left knee the following week against the Cowboys, the same knee he injured in 2014 when he tore his ACL. His season appeared to be in jeopardy after it was originally believed that he tore his ACL again. He returned to practice the week before the Eagles' Week 7 game at Carolina and was a full participant in workouts this week.
For the first time this season, the Eagles should have all four of their inside linebackers — Alonso, DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks and rookie Jordan Hicks — available for Sunday's game.