It was a quieter week than the previous ones. Â A few players suffering some extended injuries, and one QB that lashed out in the media, then mysteriously suffered a neck injury.
Let’s talk about who landed on the injury report this week.
Brandin Cooks, WR, Los Angeles (Concussion)
After exiting against the Bengals after being concussed, Cooks is currently visiting a concussion specialist in Pittsburgh. The Rams do have a bye this week, which will give him more time to heal and even get some answers, but he’s definitely questionable for Week 10 and beyond. With more players missing multiple weeks due to concussions, it is safe to assume that Cooks will likely miss multiple weeks.
James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh (Shoulder)
Late in their Monday night victory over the Dolphins, coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that Conner suffered a “shoulder, AC injury”. He also noted that the back is being evaluated and will be limited in practice to start the week. Friday will be a big day to determine whether or not he’ll be able to suit up. If he can’t, Jaylen Samuels will likely draw the start, as Benny Snell is also a bit banged up.
Joe Flacco, QB, Denver (Talking Out Neck)
While he didn’t miss any snaps, Flacco was seen getting his neck stretched out late last Sunday. While the timing seemed odd, Broncos coach Vic Fangio then came out and said that Flacco would be out for Week 9 against the Browns. Then, Ian Rapoport reported that Flacco could be out as long as 5-6 weeks, which likely shelves him for the rest of the year. It’s a very odd sequence of events, but when it’s all said and done, we may have seen the last of Joe Flacco in Denver.
Chase Edmonds, RB, Arizona (Hamstring)
After suffering a hamstring injury, coach Kliff Kingsbury said Edmonds won’t be playing tonight against the 49ers, and will also be expected to miss a “few weeks” before returning. It makes sense that the Cardinals acquired Kenyan Drake, as they needed help at the position with David Johnson recovering from an ankle injury as well. It’s yet to be seen whether or not if DJ will play on Thursday night.
Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia (Shoulder)
After exiting in the second half of the Eagles’ win last Sunday against Buffalo (you hate to see that), Sanders hasn’t practiced this week due to a shoulder injury. The injury is believed to be minor, but it would help us fantasy owners if he could get a limited practice in (or two) before Sunday’s matchup against the Bears.
Dede Westbrook, WR, Jacksonville (Neck/Shoulder)
After being forced from Sunday’s game against the Jets due to neck and shoulder injuries, Westbrook was limited during Wednesday’s practice. Even if he’s able to go, he won’t be at 100%, and isn’t a must-start with D.J. Chark and Chris Conley performing well enough for the offense to not solely rely on him.Â
Cam Newton, QB, Carolina (Foot)
Newton is still currently rehabbing and won’t be back under center until at least Week 10, as Ron Rivera announced on Monday that Allen will still start for their matchup against the Titans on Sunday. While Allen has gone 4-1, it is safe to assume that Newton will take over starting duties once he’s fully healthy.
Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay (Toe)
After missing the past few weeks with a turf toe injury, coach Matt LaFleur on Wednesday said that Adams is still day-to-day. He’s still very much questionable for their Week 9 matchup on Sunday against the Chargers. We’ll have to keep our eyes on the injury report later today, and on Friday to see whether or not he suits up.
Sterling Shepard, WR, New York (Concussion)
Shepard has missed the past two games with his second concussion of the season, but thanks to the fact that the Giants play on Monday night, and he has shed his no-contact jersey at Wednesday’s practice, things seem to be trending upward for the receiver. We’ll have to keep our eyes on the Thursday practice report later today to see if he has a chance to play on Monday night.
Marquise Brown, WR, Baltimore (Ankle)
After returning to practice on Wednesday, Hollywood Brown is fully expected to return this week against the Patriots after missing the previous two games. While he won’t be someone to use in season-long leagues this Sunday, he will still have ROS value once back at full health.
Adam Thielen, WR, Minnesota (Hamstring)
After missing last Thursday night against Washington, coach Mike Zimmer said he expected Thielen back for Week 9, and after being limited in Wednesday’s practice, it seems like he’s on track to start this Sunday against Kansas City.
Delanie Walker, TE, Tennessee (Ankle)
After missing last week’s game, Walker was sidelined for Wednesday’s practice. His ankle injury is expected to keep him out for an extended period of time. We’ll have to keep an eye on Walker’s status for the rest of the week, but if he isn’t able to go, Jonnu Smith should keep his status as a very decent TE streaming option.
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