As the 2026 NFL season reaches its halfway point, fantasy football managers continue to navigate roster injuries heading into Week 10. Four teams are on a bye this week—the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles—while several star players carry injury designations.
Quarterback Updates
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered an elbow injury during Week 9 that initially appeared season-ending, but he managed to return in a 35-12 victory over the Jets. Mahomes finished completing 23 of 31 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns, marking his fifth game with fewer than 20 fantasy points in his last six outings. Kenneth Walker III remains the primary focal point of the offense due to a lack of depth and vertical threats in the passing game. Listed as day-to-day ahead of a matchup against the Falcons, Mahomes could be replaced by Justin Fields if he cannot play, which would downgrade pass-catchers like Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce while increasing reliance on Walker.
In Seattle, head coach Mike Macdonald announced that Sam Darnold will miss the Week 10 game against the Raiders due to quad and rib injuries. Drew Lock underwent examinations on an oblique injury sustained Sunday with favorable results, positioning him to start again. Facing a Raiders defense that surrenders the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, Lock enters the QB2 streaming conversation. Meanwhile, New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy exited Sunday’s win over Philadelphia with a hip injury. Head coach John Harbaugh stated that McCarthy is expected to play on Thursday Night Football against Washington, though a short turnaround could open the door for Jameis Winston if McCarthy is sidelined.
Running Back Concerns
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson left early in a blowout loss to the Packers and did not return, while teammate TreVeyon Henderson has missed two consecutive games following hospitalization for unexplained neurological symptoms. Stevenson is scheduled for an MRI on Monday. If both are unavailable against the Lions in Germany for Week 10, Corey Kiner would step in as the lead back following an 8-55-1 rushing line against Green Bay, with Lan Larison serving as the backup.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs sustained a fractured finger in the win over the Patriots and did not return. Kaleb Johnson handled 14 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown in relief. Head coach Matt LaFleur indicated that Jacobs might attempt to play through the fracture before the team’s Week 10 game against the Vikings prior to their bye week, making Johnson a strong waiver wire addition.
Wide Receiver and Other Injuries
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua underwent an MRI on his knee, though the injury is not believed to be season-ending. Without Davante Adams already, the Rams would lean on Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, and tight ends Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Davis Allen, along with increased rushing work for Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Nacua’s potential absence serves as a downgrade for Matthew Stafford and the passing attack.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens sat out the Week 9 win over the Colts due to a hamstring injury, leaving CeeDee Lamb to record 10 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown. The Cowboys need Pickens back for a pivotal NFC matchup against the 49ers in Week 10. A lengthy list of players also remains on injured reserve or out for the season, including quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson, running backs James Conner and Jonathon Brooks, and wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Michael Pittman Jr.
