Injury Status: Week 10

Thu Nov 6 9:05am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

For some reason, it sure feels like players are taking a little longer to return to action this year. Some guys that you thought would be out just a game or two are missing multiple weeks of action. Maybe that is the case every year, but it sure seems like this year is a bit different. We guess some teams might be withholding the severity of some of these injuries, though. Hopefully, this isn’t a trend going forward. We want our players back!

Here is the latest. . . .

Quinshon Judkins, RB, Browns. Judkins is already practicing in full this week. His shoulder injury doesn’t seem to be an issue anymore. The bye last week was probably a big help getting Judkins healthy. He will be fine to use Week 10, getting his normal workload.

Bucky Irving, RB, Bucs. Irving is doing some stuff on the side but still not participating in contact drills. His foot and shoulder injuries are still a factor. He is not expected to play this week, giving Rachaad White another start at running back for the Bucs.

Chris Godwin, WR, Bucs. Godwin remains out of practice because of his leg injury. He has missed the past three games because of the injury and at this point, we aren’t sure when he returns to action.

James Cook, RB, Bills. Cook sat out practice to begin the week, which is a bit of a surprise. He is battling ankle and foot injuries. This is one to watch. If he doesn’t get in some practice before the week is out, Cook is likely to miss the Week 10 game. Ray Davis and Ty Johnson would split the work at running back for the Bills.

Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders. Daniels dislocated his left elbow last week but avoided any fractures. He is going to be out for a while but might not be done for the season. He could return before the season is out if he can avoid surgery. For now, Marcus Mariota starts for the Commanders.

Brian Thomas, WR, Jaguars. Thomas was out of practice to start the week because of a nankle sprain. The Jaguars remain hopeful he is able to play this week, though. He is not being ruled out. If he can practice in the next day or two, look for Thomas to play. Keep an eye on the player notes for the latest.

Kayshon Boutte, WR, Patriots. Boutte had to leave the game last week because of a hamstring injury. He is out of practice right now. It is not looking good for Boutte to play. Get other options ready.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Patriots. Stevenson missed the game last week because of a toe injury and remains sidelined. He still isn’t practicing. Stevenson seems a long shot to play Week 10, barring a big turnaround before the week is out. TreVeyon Henderson should handle most of the running back duties for the Patriots this week.

Garrett Wilson, WR, Jets. Wilson is back practicing this week on his knee injury. He is right on track to return to the lineup. He should be just fine to play Week 10.

C.J. Stroud, QB, Texans. Stroud took a huge hit last week, suffering a concussion. He has already been ruled out for the Week 10 game. Davis Mills will start for the Texans.

Rico Dowdle, RB, Panthers. Dowdle is battling some sort of quad injury. The Panthers held him out of practice Wednesday, but it seems they are being cautious with their star back. Carolina seems pretty confident Dowdle will return to practice later in the week and play the Week 10 game. Keep an eye on the player notes to be safe, though.

Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals. Murray was placed on Injured Reserve this week because of his foot sprain. Murray will be out at least the next four games because of the injury. Jacoby Brissett will handle the quarterback duties while Murray is out and could even keep the job if he keeps playing well.

Ka'imi Fairbairn, K, Texans. Fairbairn apparently injured his quad in last week’s game and is expected to miss the Week 10 game. Go get other options for this week’s game. 

D'Andre Swift, RB, Bears. Swift missed the game last week with a groin injury but is back practicing on a limited basis this week. He is right on track to return to the starting lineup and play a big role in the Bears offense. Swift was playing very well before getting hurt.

Kyle Monangai, RB, Bears. Monangai is dealing with an ankle injury and was limited in practice Wednesday. He should be ready to play this week but likely splits the work at running back with D’Andre Swift expected to return from his injury.

Michael Pittman, WR, Colts. Pittman is another player dealing with a new injury, sitting out practice Wednesday because of a glute injury. He might be resting as much as anything, though, so don’t panic too much yet. We would not rule him out. But if he doesn’t practice at all before the week is out, expect Pittman to miss Week 10. But if he gets in some practice, look for him to be available.

Puka Nacua, WR, Rams. Nacua got banged up last week, suffering a rib injury. The Rams believe he will be ready for Week 10, though. The injury isn’t too serious at this point.

Aaron Jones, RB, Vikings. Jones has multiple injuries, dealing with shoulder and toe ailments. He was unable to practice Wednesday, which is not a good start to his week. He is looking iffy to play right now and even if active, Jones might be limited in the game. Jordan Mason starts if Jones is unable to play Week 10. 

Brock Purdy, QB, 49ers. Purdy continues to deal with his toe injury. He still is practicing on a limited basis. He needs to start practicing in full once again before he returns to the starting lineup. We look for Mac Jones to get another start for the 49ers this week.

Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. Pearsall continues to deal with his knee injury and remains out of practice. We look for him to miss the Week 10 game. He has really been slow to recover from this injury.

Cooper Kupp, WR, Seahawks. Kupp continues to deal with a hamstring injury and is out of practice to start the week. Last week, it sounded like he would miss just a week of action, but this start to his week is not a good sign for Kupp to return to action Week 10. We would get other options ready.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 11

Player Notes
Mack Hollins Nov 13 11:50pm CT
Mack Hollins

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins caught four of his five targets for 64 yards during Thursday's Week 11 win over the New York Jets. The veteran receiver continues to produce at a high level with teammate Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) sidelined. Hollins now has 19 catches and 268 yards over his last four games, tallying 10+ fantasy points (PPR) in three of those four contests. While we could see his volume get slightly scaled back if Boutte returns in Week 12, there's no denying that Hollins has established himself as one of Drake Maye's favorite targets so far. He should continue to be a mid-to-low WR3/flex for Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller

John Metchie III Nov 13 11:40pm CT
John Metchie III

New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III caught all three of his targets for 45 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's Week 11 loss against the New England Patriots. Metchie played 82.5 percent of the snaps in the defeat, shattering his previous season-high snap share of 16 percent. Thursday's game also featured Metchie's first touchdown this season and just the second of his career. The 25-year-old was presented with increased opportunities to contribute on primetime television after Garrett Wilson (knee) was placed on injured reserve. The Jets may ride the hot hand in the passing game going forward, but Metchie has an early leg up on the rest of his competition. He can be viewed as a low-end WR3/flex in deeper leagues ahead of Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Nov 13 11:30pm CT
Stefon Diggs

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught nine of his 11 targets for 105 yards during Thursday's Week 11 victory over the New York Jets. The 31-year-old has been terrific lately, and even though his three-game touchdown streak came to an end Thursday, he still has five consecutive games with 10+ fantasy points (PPR). Diggs was on the field for 69.7 percent of the snaps in the victory, eclipsing his previous season-high by more than six percentage points. The increased involvement is a promising sign for fantasy managers, and so, too, is his continued success. The Patriots are on a roll, and their top pass catcher should continue to be deployed as a high-end WR2 heading into next week's battle against the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Nov 13 11:10pm CT
Justin Fields

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields completed 15 of his 26 pass attempts for 116 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions during Thursday's Week 11 loss against the New England Patriots. He also added 11 rushing attempts, 67 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown. While Fields had another poor game passing, he salvaged his fantasy performance with a solid rushing performance. It wasn't enough to keep the Jets' win streak alive, but it was likely enough to prompt fantasy managers to consider starting him next week against the Baltimore Ravens. Fields is best viewed as a low-floor, high-ceiling QB2 in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Nov 13 11:00pm CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 25 of his 34 pass attempts for 281 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions during Thursday's Week 11 win over the New York Jets. He also took one sack and rushed for two yards. The former No. 2 pick didn't have to go above and beyond on Thursday as the Patriots prioritized running the football to beat New York. Nevertheless, Maye still attempted 34 passes and improved his season completion rate by one-fifth of a percentage point. He continues to rank as the highest-scoring quarterback in fantasy football, and he has also propelled his team to sole possession of first place in the NFL standings. Fantasy managers should continue to view Maye as a high-end QB1 heading into Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller

TreVeyon Henderson Nov 13 10:50pm CT
TreVeyon Henderson

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson capitalized on a favorable matchup against the New York Jets in Week 11, scoring three touchdowns as the Patriots became the first team in the NFL to reach nine wins this season. Henderson totaled 19 carries, 62 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, five catches, 31 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. While he remained relatively inefficient in terms of yards per carry, he dominated in nearly every other category. Henderson took advantage of an increased workload with Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) sidelined, handling a career-high 88 percent snap share and 24 total touches. Stevenson is getting closer to returning, but the rookie has proven that he deserves to be the lead back even when Stevenson is healthy. Henderson should continue to be viewed as a high-end RB2 in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Milton Williams Nov 13 10:10pm CT
Milton Williams

New England Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's Week 11 contest against the New York Jets. Williams briefly exited early in the game, and while he did get back into the contest during the first half, he left again and has since been ruled out. According to the Amazon Prime broadcast, the veteran lineman only played eight snaps as the Patriots tested his injury before choosing to keep him out of the game. Cory Durden should continue to earn more snaps in his absence. Williams is a talented, veteran defender, and the fact that he tried to re-enter the contest should leave fans optimistic that he could suit up in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Brenton Strange Nov 13 10:10pm CT
Brenton Strange

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (hip) was a limited participant in practice for the second day in a row on Thursday. Strange remains on injured reserve, but he was designated to return earlier this week, triggering a 21-day window in which he can practice without being officially activated. The 24-year-old's practice participation leaves his status for Week 11 up in the air. Being limited is a step in the right direction, but the Jaguars could choose to wait to activate him until he's 100 percent. Whenever he does return, he'll rank as a low-end TE1, earning a solid target share with Travis Hunter (knee) sidelined and Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) underperforming. Strange had 19 catches for 182 yards through his first four games earlier this year.

From RotoBaller

Tory Horton Nov 13 8:40pm CT
Tory Horton

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (groin, shin) did not practice on Thursday. The rookie had logged a limited session on Wednesday, and it seemed like he was trending in the right direction, but his downgraded status on Thursday is not a good sign. He'll likely need to get back on the field in some capacity on Friday in order to have any chance of playing in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams. The rookie impressed in his last game with four catches, 48 yards, and two touchdowns, but he has since fallen down a rung on the depth chart after Seattle acquired Rashid Shaheed. Although Horton is a high-upside dynasty stash, he's not a reliable redraft option at the moment.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Mims Nov 13 8:10pm CT
Marvin Mims

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (concussion) was a full participant in practice again on Thursday. The 23-year-old posted inconsistent results when healthy earlier this season, operating behind Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin. Mims performs best in big-play scenarios and special teams returns, but he's shown some trouble consistently producing ahead of Sutton and Franklin. The 23-year-old is expected to play in Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he'll merely rank as a WR5.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Nov 13 8:00pm CT
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice again on Thursday. The veteran receiver is trying to work his way back from a hamstring injury that he suffered in Week 6. Tennessee's pass catchers haven't missed a beat since Ridley went down, as Chimere Dike has 12 catches for 168 yards since then, and Elic Ayomanor has nine catches for 127 yards. The Titans continue to struggle on both sides of the ball, but a high frequency of negative game scripts has left Tennessee's receivers in a relatively favorable fantasy position. The two rookies are low-end WR3/flex options, while Ridley can be benched in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Nov 13 7:50pm CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. The 23-year-old is trying to work his way back from a high-ankle sprain that caused him to miss Week 10. He has been significantly underwhelming during his second pro season, catching 30 passes for 420 yards and one touchdown through eight games. While the season-ending injury to Travis Hunter (knee) seemed like it could open the door for Thomas to get more involved, Jacksonville addressed that issue by trading for Jakobi Meyers. Parker Washington has also seen an increase in volume. As a result, Thomas remains an inconsistent fantasy option, even when he's healthy enough to play again. Managers should view him as a WR2 with a low floor.

From RotoBaller

Milton Williams Nov 13 7:40pm CT
Milton Williams

New England Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams (ankle) exited during the first quarter of Thursday's Week 11 contest against the New York Jets. He is officially listed as questionable to return. He did not register a statistic prior to his departure. The veteran defensive lineman was one of the Patriots' key acquisitions last offseason, and he has lived up to the hype with 27 tackles and 3.5 sacks so far. The 26-year-old's absence is bad news for the New England defense as it looks to contain the Jets' run-heavy offense. Cory Durden should earn more snaps with Williams listed as questionable.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Nov 13 7:00pm CT
Justin Fields

ESPN's Rich Cimini reports that New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields "could be playing for his job" on Thursday night versus the division-rival New England Patriots. Fields has four sub-100-yard passing games (most in the league), including three in the last four games. The 26-year-old signal-caller has led the Jets to two straight wins, but he's going to need to perform better to hold off veteran QB Tyrod Taylor moving forward. It's not going to be easy on Thursday evening against an 8-2 Patriots team, especially with receivers Garrett Wilson (knee) and Josh Reynolds (hip) on Injured Reserve. Fields has completed only 63.5% of his 178 pass attempts for 1,143 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception in eight starts. He has limited turnovers, but he's also attempted fewer runs. Fields might need to go off as a rusher to save his job in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Nov 13 6:50pm CT
Adonai Mitchell

New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell will make his debut with the team in Week 11 in the Thursday night divisional game versus the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Jets acquired Mitchell at last week's trade deadline in the deal that sent star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts. Mitchell was a healthy scratch in last week's win over the Cleveland Browns, but now he'll make his debut for Gang Green, and he could immediately have a big role in New York with both Garrett Wilson (knee) and Josh Reynolds (hip) currently on Injured Reserve. The 23-year-old former second-rounder has big-play potential, but he's still looking for his first NFL touchdown after dropping a would-be long touchdown earlier this year, right before he crossed the goal line with the Colts. Mitchell is worth a deep-league flier for his opportunity in his new digs.

From RotoBaller

Terrell Jennings Nov 13 6:50pm CT
Terrell Jennings

New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings (knee), who was listed as questionable this week, is officially active for the Thursday Night Football contest in Week 11 against the division-rival New York Jets. Jennings suffered a bruised knee in the Week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is good to go on Thursday evening. Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) will miss his third straight game, so Jennings should once again see an elevated role in New England's backfield as the change-of-pace weapon behind rookie TreVeyon Henderson. The 24-year-old Jennings saw double-digit touches in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, but fantasy managers in deeper leagues cannot count on that again on a short week with Jennings coming off an injury, especially after Henderson had 147 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries last week.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Nov 13 6:30pm CT
Justin Fields

The New York Jets are expected to start Justin Fields at quarterback on Thursday night against the division-rival New England Patriots, according to Albert Breer. Although the expectation is that Fields would make another start under center for the Jets after winning a second straight game in Week 10, head coach Aaron Glenn refused to make an official announcement. Fields' last game against the Patriots was at Gillette in 2022 when he played for the Chicago Bears, and he led them to a 33-14 win, throwing for 179 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 82 yards and another score. Fields hasn't been great in his first year with the Jets in eight starts, but he hasn't had much to work with through the air, and now top wideout Garrett Wilson (knee) is on Injured Reserve. Unless Fields can run all over the Pats again on Thursday night, it might be another rough fantasy showing for the former first-rounder.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Nov 13 6:20pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (knee) is on the team's Week 11 injury report after he was limited in the first practice of the week on Thursday due to a knee injury, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. In his second game with the Raiders in last Thursday's loss to the Denver Broncos, Lockett played 57% of the offensive snaps and had season-highs in catches (five), targets (six), and receiving yards (44) in a game that featured very little offense. The 33-year-old veteran is a little banged up going into a Week 11 Monday night matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, but he should be able to suit up as long as he doesn't have a setback with his knee on Friday or Saturday. The Raiders' offense has been extremely lackluster, especially in the passing game, but Lockett has chemistry with quarterback Geno Smith from their time in Seattle and should continue to be involved alongside Tre Tucker and tight end Brock Bowers. Lockett could be a sneaky flex target in a great matchup against Dallas' D.

From RotoBaller

Omarion Hampton Nov 13 6:10pm CT
Omarion Hampton

Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) was seen working off on a side field with a trainer again on Thursday, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Hampton last played in Week 5 and remains on Injured Reserve due to a high-ankle sprain, but he appears to be making progress in his recovery and could have his 21-day practice window opened by the Chargers soon. The 22-year-old will not return in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars before the team goes on their bye in Week 12. Depending on how much progress Hampton can make in the next couple weeks, though, he could have a chance to make his return for a divisional clash at home against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 13 on Sunday, Nov. 30. Before his injury, Hampton was in line to be a workhorse for the Bolts after Najee Harris' (Achilles) season-ending surgery. Hampton should not be floating around on any waiver wires.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Nov 13 6:00pm CT
Geno Smith

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (quadriceps) is not included on the Week 11 injury report as the team gets ready to face the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football, according to the team's website. Smith was in some pain last Thursday night against the Denver Broncos when he suffered a bruised quadriceps, and he was even replaced in the game for a bit by Kenny Pickett. The 35-year-old eventually returned to finish the 10-7 loss, but he was hobbling around pretty good. The extra time off heading into Week 11 appears to have done the veteran QB some good, and he should be fine to play against Dallas on Monday after practicing in full on Wednesday. Smith has mostly been a liability for fantasy managers in his first year in Vegas, but he'll have some QB2 streaming appeal this week against a bad Cowboys secondary.

From RotoBaller