The injuries continue to pile on around the league, as Week 9 brought us yet another group of casualties that might not be able to suit up for week 10. There are also plenty of players that will carry “Questionable” tags this week that were hurt before week 9. Let’s get to it.
Christian McCaffrey – Day-to-day with a shoulder injury
– Mike Davis ($4,000 DK/$5,400 FD)
McCaffrey returned on week 9 and wasn’t limited whatsoever, as he generated 28 touches en route to a big game (151 yards from scrimmage, 2 touchdowns). Unfortunately for McCaffrey, he was hurt towards the end of the game. Coach Matt Rhule has ruled him day-to-day and the expectation is that this injury isn’t severe. However, McCaffrey could still miss at least one game and DraftKings wasn’t able to adjust Mike Davis’ price tag quickly enough. As a result, we get a minimum priced Davis ahead of a home matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When McCaffrey went down in week 2, Davis was routinely generating 20+ touches with ease. It wasn’t until week 7 where Davis’ workload took a hit, but the touches were still in the double digits. This might be a bit obvious if you’ve followed all along but IF McCaffrey is ruled out this week, Davis is destined to be a) likely the best value on the board and b) the highest owned player regardless of position, particularly on DraftKings where the price tag is sitting at the minimum. Keep in mind that beyond the price tag, Davis is more valuable on PPR sites due to his pass catching role as a starting RB – he’s generated 49 targets and 43 receptions this season.
David Johnson – Questionable with a concussion
– Duke Johnson ($5,000 DK/$5,800 FD)
David Johnson got hurt in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 9. The injury was ruled a concussion and it ended his afternoon early. Unfortunately for David, he’ll need to clear the concussion protocol AND likely practice in some capacity before this Sunday. It doesn’t seem likely that he’ll be able to play, but this will all come down to how quickly he can progress this week. IF he’s not able to suit up this Sunday, Duke Johnson will lead the Texans’ backfield against the Cleveland Browns. Johnson disappointed against the Jaguars, averaging 2.6 yards per carry on 16 carries. However, as usual, volume wins out and Johnson was able to score a touchdown and generate 4 catches on 4 targets. Outside of Duke, no other running back touched the ball once David Johnson went down. Buddy Howell played a tiny role but didn’t receive a carry or a target. The passing role alone makes this a worthwhile investment on DraftKings as long as he’s able to secure the starting RB role. The price tag on FanDuel isn’t bad by any means but he’s more valuable on DraftKings due to the PPR scoring.
Justin Jackson – Questionable with a knee injury
– Kalen Ballage ($5,000 DK/$5,300 FD; sent back to practice squad but could be called back later in the week)
– Joshua Kelley ($4,400 DK/$$5,200)
Justin Jackson was yet another first quarter casualty this past Sunday, as he hurt his knee and never returned. That resulted in Kalen Ballage playing 39.2% of snaps and generating 18 touches and Joshua Kelley playing 54.4% of snaps and generating 14 touches. Complicating the matters a bit more is that the Chargers also played a good bit of Troymaine Pope in week 8 but he then suffered a concussion, which allowed for Ballage to be called up from the practice squad. Pope might not be ready to play by this Sunday either, but if he is, there’s a chance the Chargers end up playing three running backs. That’s not including Justin Jackson, who was the primary back when healthy after Austin Ekeler landed on the IR. Jackson and Pope would have to be ruled out in order for Ballage and Kelley to carry any semblance of value ahead of a tough matchup against the Miami Dolphins in week 10.
Other Questionable Tags We’re Tracking
Kenyan Drake
– Chase Edmonds (played 95.6% of snaps and generated 28 touches in week 9 without Drake)
Joe Mixon
– Giovani Bernard
Ben Roethlisberger
– Mason Rudolph (IF Roethlisberger is out, the entire Steelers offense will take a big hit regardless of matchup)
Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde
– DeeJay Dallas
– Travis Homer
Miles Sanders (expected to return back to practice this week, which improves his chances of playing)
– Boston Scott
Kenny Golladay (was ruled week-to-week last week)
– Marvin Jones Jr.
Raheem Mostert (could return from IR) and Tevin Coleman
– Jerick McKinnon (or JaMycal Hasty *shrugs*)
Deebo Samuel
– Brandon Aiyuk
Preston Williams
– Devante Parker
Devonta Freeman
– Wayne Gallman
Baker Mayfield (COVID-19; could gain clearance to return by this Wednesday as long as he tests negative)
– Case Keenum
Damien Harris (just left MNF with a chest injury)
– Sony Michel (was activated from IR; could be ready to return this week)
Even if Harris is unable to play, the Patriots will still have 3 active RBs and Michel is typically not involved in the passing game. Like Harris, Michel is a TD dependent play as he’ll lose valuable snaps to Rex Burkhead and James White.
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