The 2026 NFL season reaches its official midway point in Week 9, bringing more clarity to fantasy football rosters regarding healthy players and those who have missed time. While the injury report shows signs of thinning out, tracking the latest news remains crucial for setting winning fantasy lineups.
Quarterback Updates
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a thumb injury during the first half of Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills and requires surgery. Jackson is heading to injured reserve and will miss at least four games, potentially the remainder of the season. Backup Tyler Huntley entered the game after Jackson’s exit but also sustained a turf toe injury, leaving the team with third-string rookie Joe Fagnano, who subsequently picked up a minor injury as well.
With Huntley unlikely to be ready for Week 9 and Fagnano unviable as a starter, the Ravens are expected to pursue a quarterback trade before the upcoming deadline next week. Meanwhile, San Francisco 400-yard rusher Jaxson Dart, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (blood clots), and several other key players remain sidelined on injured reserve for the season.
Running Back Updates
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (quad) is expected to return for Week 9 after missing time, which previously allowed Braelon Allen to shine as the overall RB5 in half-PPR scoring from Weeks 5 through 8. Allen is expected to maintain a role alongside Hall, who faces a tough matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs run defense.
In Arizona, rookie Jeremiyah Love aggravated an ankle injury during Sunday’s overtime win against Dallas, while Bam Knight exited following a hard hit and enters the concussion protocol. If both are unavailable against Seattle, Tyler Allgeier becomes a playable option. Elsewhere, Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) returns from a bye week for San Francisco, though rookie Kaelon Black could see increased touches to keep McCaffrey fresh. Other running backs tracking towards potential returns include Travis Etienne Jr. and Jadarian Price, while James Conner, Dameon Pierce, Tyrone Tracy Jr., RJ Harvey, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jonathon Brooks, Will Shipley, and Tank Bigsby occupy injured reserve spots.
Wide Receiver and Tight End News
Green Bay Packers receiver Christian Watson played through a miraculous return on Thursday Night Football against the Panthers after visiting the hospital, later revealing he is dealing with broken ribs. Watson has ample time to rest before facing the Patriots, though active status carries early-exit risks that could boost targets for Tucker Kraft, Savion Williams, and Matthew Golden. Arizona’s Michael Wilson also disclosed he has broken ribs and plans to play through the injury against Seattle, while Tampa Bay’s Emeka Egbuka (foot) could return in Week 9 following a two-game absence.
At tight end, Dallas Cowboy Jake Ferguson sustained a low-ankle sprain early against Arizona and his status against the Colts is uncertain. If Ferguson misses time, Brevyn Ford-Spann stands to benefit after playing 88 percent of snaps in Week 8 with four catches for 31 yards. Long-term absences on injured reserve include receivers Ricky Pearsall, Jayden Higgins, Terry McLaurin, Jaylin Noel, Davante Adams, Romeo Doubs, Jalen McMillan, De’Zhaun Stribling, Jordyn Tyson, Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson, Pat Bryant, Alec Pierce, alongside tight ends David Njoku and Terrance Ferguson.
