Heading into Sunday’s Week 9 action, fantasy football owners are watching the latest injury updates for several key running backs (Cordarrelle Patterson, James Conner, D’Andre Swift, Damien Harris, and Kyren Williams). In a week with six byes, all of those RBs could be involved in start ’em, sit ’em question questions and require more attention than usual.
Below, we’ll give you the latest news on these RBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 9 fantasy landscape.
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WEEK 9 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start ’em, sit ’em
Is Cordarrelle Patterson playing Week 9?
Falcons head coach Arthur Smith told reporters Friday that they will decide on Patterson’s (knee) availability Saturday, according to the team’s website. The veteran running back returned to practice earlier this week after missing the past four games.
Patterson said he felt close to 100 percent after his first practice on Wednesday. However, it remains to be seen if the versatile running back will suit up on Sunday. If he plays, he’s a must-start in a favorable matchup against a Chargers’ defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to RBs this season. If he’s out, Caleb Huntley and Tyler Allgeier should be viewed as solid RB2/flex options.
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Is James Conner playing Week 9?
Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Friday that Conner (ribs) is a game-time decision for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks, according to beat writer Tyler Drake.
It’s not surprising to see the veteran running back listed as “questionable” on the team’s final injury report. Heading into last week’s game against the Vikings, Conner was listed as “questionable” before ultimately being ruled out. He has practiced in a limited fashion this week, but we’ve seen this rib injury hold him out for the past three games. Conner is a solid RB2 if he’s active. If he’s out, Eno Benjamin will once again start and be worth an RB2 spot. Seattle allows the seventh-most fantasy points per game to RBs this season.
WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Is D’Andre Swift playing Week 9?
Swift (shoulder, ankle) was officially listed as “questionable” on the team’s final injury report ahead of Sunday’s game against the Packers.
The 23-year-old running back did not practice to start the week but was a limited participant on Thursday and Friday. Swift returned to the field against the Dolphins last week, where he had 33 total yards on 10 touches and a receiving touchdown. The young running back has not looked like the same guy that we saw earlier in the season. Swift should be viewed as an RB2 in fantasy, but do not be surprised if we see Jamaal Williams lead the Lions in touches.
Is Damien Harris playing Week 9?
Harris (illness) was among multiple several Patriots players listed as “questionable” ahead of Sunday’s game against the Colts. The 25-year-old running back did not practice earlier this week but was a limited participant on Friday, which is a good sign for his availability.
If Harris plays Sunday, he’s worth a flex spot. Last week against the Jets, he had 52 total yards on 13 touches. Rhamondre Stevenson is a must-start no matter what, but Harris should also find some success against a Colts’ defense that’s allowing the 13th-most fantasy points per game to RBs this season.
WEEK 9 DFS LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel
Is Kyren Williams playing Week 9?
Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters on Friday that it hasn’t been determined if Williams (ankle) will be activated for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers, according to beat writer Gary Klein.
The rookie running back has not been activated from the injured reserve after being designated to return on Oct. 26. The Rams running back room is crowded with Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson Jr., and Ronnie Rivers, who started last week’s game against the 49ers. It’s best to leave Williams on your bench until we see how the Rams manage their running back room, but Williams does have long-term upside.
WEEK 9 DFS: Best stacks | Best values
Is Cam Akers playing Week 9?
Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Friday “there is a possibility” Akers could play on Sunday against the Buccaneers, according to NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano. Akers returned to practice on Thursday after the team turned down multiple trade offers for the young running back at the league’s trade deadline.
For some time, it seemed as if Akers wasn’t going to be in Los Angeles after he stepped away from the team in Week 6 for personal reasons. Akers can’t be started at this point, but he’s worth stashing just in case he resumes a big role. however, with Kyren Williams coming back soon and Darrell Henderson Jr. and Ronnie Rivers still involved, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the Rams’ RB situation will shake out.
