Fantasy Football Whiplash! | Week 9: Injuries, Notes, & Waiver Wire

by Samwise · Featured
fantasy football injuries waiver wire

Week 9 of the NFL in 2025 has some shoes to fill. The byepocalypse took no prisoners in Week 8, and players that fantasy managers suspected would be admirable fill-ins turned around and smacked carefully researched lineups upside the head. Welcome back to another entry into the annals of “Fantasy Whiplash!” This rolling stone gathers no moss, as every Tuesday, the consequences become more dire as the fantasy season picks up speed. Following is all the latest fantasy football news on injuries, updates, and waiver wire wonders you’ll need to heed heading into another week.

Strap in for roster percentages and free agent advice, news & notes regarding injury statuses, and maybe even some notable starts/sits. The information comes at you from every angle, like so many roster adjustments being made at 12:59 p.m. on a Sunday. Come along for a long-winded stream of consciousness rivaled only by the YouTube show/podcast of the same name (9 p.m. EST Tuesday nights on YouTube).

Given the current circumstances, I have some wisdom to pass along regarding the latest noteworthy developments in the NFL and how they impact you, the manager. This may include trending thoughts from industry analysts on Twitter, as well as my own perspectives on specific subjects. It’s all for the benefit of everyone, from casual fans to accomplished veterans. Whatever may remain of the league, we’ll talk it out.

We are past the halfway point of the 2025 fantasy football season. I’ve got a fast car (fast enough that we can fly away) set for a collision course with Week 9. Let’s go.

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fantasy football injuries waiver wire

Week 8 saw fantasy managers scurrying to snatch up anyone feasible from the bargain-basement bin of free agents, and make last-last-last-second adjustments (thanks, Drake London). Just when you figured all of the puzzle pieces were in place and precariously held together by duct tape, fill-ins fell flat. Meanwhile, players that managers had given up on were finding the end zone and ripping off big gains.

A lot of that came from the “freshman” and “sophomore” group of NFL players who are either brand new or only got their feet wet a season ago. There were some wily veterans mixed in, but the largest impact was felt by players barely over the legal drinking age. That’s not to say they all went kaboom and took the league by storm, but fantasy managers everywhere heard a lot of “where the hell has this been?!”

The upside to being misled by coaches and players is that there is more relevant talent available. If managers thought hitting the waiver wire before the “byepocalypse” last week was tricky, wait until you see what happens next. Dozens of players plucked from the pit of misery (aka the free agent pool, Dilly, Dilly) will be returned to the depths, and the race begins for dropped players and emerging talents.

Make no mistake: This is the point in the season when fantasy managers are looking for the elusive “league-winner.”

Johnny-Come-Lately

This year’s rookies have been a mixed bag. Some (like Quinshon Judkins and Emeka Egbuka) came into their respective seasons ready to eat, to the delight of managers. Others left everyone screaming at their televisions at the deliberate passing over of the raw talent they were drafted for. Coaches toyed with managers, as if to say, “Here’s what I think of your silly little game.” This is not a game, Payton, Vrabel et al. In fact, this is either for big bucks (no whammies) or, in a home league, practically life or death.

Probably not, but funny nonetheless. TreVeyon Henderson (77% rostered) finally got to touch the ball a few times for the Patriots. The result? 10 carries for 75 yards (7.5 YPC), adding two kick returns for 55 yards. Not the kaboom you wanted. However, Henderson looked infinitely more explosive than backfield-mate Rhamondre Stevenson, who had 14 carries but only mustered 2.4 yards per carry. The Browns are the NFL’s premier run-stopping defense, and at one point, Hendreson tore off a 27-yarder like it was another day at the office. After the game, head coach Mike Vrabel played the nonplussed Bill Belichick card, making us all wonder if we can count on this usage to continue.

Wide Open

A couple of wide receivers showed up late to the 2025 NFL party, through little fault of their own. Second-year wideout Roman Wilson (PIT, 0% rostered) might be a hot commodity on the waiver wire after catching four passes on five targets for 74 yards and a touchdown. So, too is Tre Harris (LAC, 3%), who only caught two passes, but one resulted in a touchdown. Before you ho-hum that, keep in mind that Harris has roughly the same skillset as Quentin Johnston, who did not even garner a target in the affair. Harris has now eclipsed Johnston in snap share and actually led the team (among receivers) at 59%. Johnston’s days as a go-to might be numbered.

In the last two games, Troy Franklin (DEN, 38%) has nearly doubled his total output from five of six games prior. After posting 12.9 PPR fantasy points in Week 7, he came back with six catches for 89 yards and two TDs. Keep in mind, Franklin has been quarterback Bo Nix‘s favorite target since their days at Oregon, and they were drafted together in 2024.

The New Kid(s) In Town

Blink and you missed it, although you had a trio of tries. RJ Harvey (DEN, 76% rostered) jumped off the screen for the third time this year, but this time, in addition to his 51 yards from scrimmage, he found himself in the promised land on three separate occasions. It represented his highest usage since Week 4; maybe Sean Payton got the hint? This could mean danger for starter J.K. Dobbins, but he had himself a game as well with 111 yards rushing. Fantasy managers are hoping to see Harvey more often. He could be a valuable flex play even in a timeshare. There is room for two in a Payton offense.

Down in Los Angeles, tight end Oronde Gadsden II (LAC, 62%) picked up right where he left off in Week 7 by adding five more catches on five targets. He was the second-leading receiver (77 yards, TD) after Ladd McConkey and was more targeted than Johnston, Keenan Allen, and Harris. Gadsden is here to stay, and for the last several weeks, it looks more like the Gadsden/McConkey show in Tinseltown as opposed to Johnston and Allen.

Everybody’s Talkin ‘Bout the New Kid in Town

Just look at this:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an embarrassment of riches in the “next man up” category. The newest is wideout Tez Johnson (TBB, 51% rostered), and it’s hard to believe that 49 percent of leagues are still missing the schooner on a guy that is averaging over 10.5 PPR fantasy points per game in his last four tilts, adding a pair of touchdowns for good measure. Johnson stepped into the gig vacated by Jalen McMillan (and then Emeka Egbuka) to claim ownership of the role of “burner.” With Chris Godwin shelved without more info than “getting close,” and Mike Evans done for the season, Johnson is no longer a fill-in. He should be rostered in all leagues.

The New York Jets of New Jersey at the Meadowlands (Central Park adjacent) haven’t had much to get excited about this year. It does, however, appear as though they’ve identified their WR2 for this season. It just so happens that the wideout is a rookie tight end. Mason Taylor (NYJ, 28%!) finally found the end zone on National Tight Ends’ Day Sunday. It was a long time coming after having several strikes called back by penalty and Garrett Wilson taking much of the red zone thunder.

With Wilson nursing an injury on Sunday, Taylor popped off for five catches on eight targets for 34 yards and wrangled that elusive first touchdown on a nifty snag. Earlier in the season, Taylor had back-to-back games that totaled 14 catches on 19 targets for a cool 132 yards. He has put up double-digit fantasy points in three of his last five.

We Are Programmed to Receive…

There are others to mention from a wild Week 8 that gave us glimpses into the future. Is that future now? It could be. Any one of these young players could be an injury or a game plan away from being a fantasy football league winner. The same goes for Kimani Vidal (LAC, 74% rostered) during Omarion Hampton‘s absence (and maybe after?), Devin Neal (NOS, 4%), Kyle Monangai (CHI, 37%), Ollie Gordon II (MIA, 11%), and Theo Johnson (NYG, 24%). These guys all had a day on Sunday (or the last few Sundays), and others are worth stashing as bye weeks cool off because they’re set up in great positions to step into the spotlight.

As the byes clear and the open road is straight ahead, it’s time to take a shot at a stash. You needn’t hold onto the Tyler Locketts, Kendrick Bournes, and Adam Thielens of the world when you could gamble on a player that’s very clearly on an upward trajectory and cross your fingers. Be smart, check the waiver wire daily, and pay close attention to players who your leaguemates dropped unnecessarily. Carpe Diem, and march towards the postseason. Almost everyone still has a shot. Shoot yours.

Fantasy Football Injury Watch

You’re going to see quite a lot of “monitor practice” in Whiplash! this week. Between a deluge of players returning from byes, recent injuries, and upcoming byes, coaches have been notoriously tight-lipped. Here’s what we know.

Quarterbacks

  • Lamar Jackson (BAL, hamstring) is trending upward and was listed as a “full participant” at Monday’s walk-through. Head coach John Harbaugh says that he expects the quarterback to return from his three-game absence for Thursday Night Football. He’s listed as questionable.
  • J.J. McCarthy (MIN, high-ankle sprain) is ‘all systems go’ to start for the Vikings against the Lions in Detroit. Carson Wentz (shoulder) is out for the season and set for surgery. McCarthy is available in 77% of leagues.
  • Bryce Young (CAR, high-ankle sprain) is expected to try to practice on Wednesday, but conventional wisdom would suggest he’s due for at least one more week out. Andy Dalton is only rostered in 4% of leagues.
  • Michael Penix Jr. (ATL, knee) practiced last week but was held out by the coaching staff in favor of Kirk Cousins. Penix is day-to-day, but is trending in the direction of returning this weekend.
  • HC Dan Quinn initially said that Jayden Daniels (WAS, hamstring) could be ready for this weekend. Monitor his progress throughout the week. If he’s unable to go, the team will again turn to Marcus Mariota (11% rostered).
  • According to HC Kyle Shanahan, it’s “too early to say” if Brock Purdy (SFO, toe, shoulder) will be available this week. That doesn’t sound encouraging. Mac Jones (11%) has played well enough in Purdy’s absence, but he also has a knee contusion and is listed as day-to-day. Rookie Adrian Martinez would stand to be next in line. Need his roster percentage?
  • It’s “too early to tell” (uh-oh) if Kyler Murray (ARI, foot) could be ready for Monday night. The Lollipop Guild’s president is not currently practicing or throwing. Jacoby Brissett (1% rostered!) has passed for 599 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in his stead. A dream matchup with the horrendous Dallas secondary is on tap.

Running Backs

  • Cam Skattebo (NYG) suffered a nasty ankle dislocation, which has ended his season prematurely. Backup Tyrone Tracy Jr. (50% rostered) is likely going to be the desired prize on waivers for fantasy managers.
  • Saquon Barkley (PHI, groin) is day-to-day but has a bye week to recoup.
  • Hassan Haskins (LAC, hamstring) is week-to-week, and the emergence of Kimani Vidal makes Haskins irrelevant for fantasy.

Wide Receivers

  • Puka Nacua (LAR, ankle) is expected to return to practice and play this weekend after having a bye.
  • Nico Collins (HOU, concussion) has already been practicing for a week while under concussion protocol. He can practice this week as well, and can clear protocol when trainers deem him fit to do so.
  • The Atlanta Falcons will not say what the severity of Drake London‘s hip injury is. It kept him inactive on Sunday, and he is listed as day-to-day. Monitor whether he returns to full practice by Friday.

The following are (as promised) all players listed as day-to-day and will require a keen eye on the practice reports:

  • Luther Burden III (CHI, concussion)
  • Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC, shoulder)
  • Jakobi Meyers (LVR, knee) — Tre Tucker (37% rostered) is already a priority add, regardless of Meyers’ status.
  • Ricky Pearsall (SFO, knee) remains a limited participant in practice.
  • Matthew Golden (GBP, hip) played through a late injury addition on Sunday. He should be good to go for Week 9, but do not let that deter you from taking a flier on 17%-rostered Christian Watson. Watson (2024 ACL) made his season debut in Week 8 and had four catches for 85 yards.
  • Christian Kirk (HOU, hamstring) and Calvin Ridley (TEN, hamstring) are both day-to-day. What else is new?

Tight Ends

  • Brock Bowers (LVR, knee) has been running drills and practicing with and without a brace. He is expected to practice all week and play on Sunday, per HC Pete Carroll.
  • Darren Waller (MIA) and Mike Gesicki (CIN) both have pectoral strains and are on the injured reserve.
  • If you came this far for a Cole Kmet (CHI, back) update, I have bad news about your fantasy team.

More “Whiplash!” to Come

Next Tuesday, we’ll go again with more football junk food before you settle in for waiver wire claims! More Quick Hits and Injury Updates than you can shake a stick at. Your mission this week is simple: Brace for the stretch run. Pay attention to playoff schedules. Buy players with easy ones. Smash the waivers, steal some drops, talk some smack, and get your popcorn ready. Don’t end up in the Pit of Misery (Dilly, Dilly) … It’s full-speed ahead!

Keep in mind, on “Fantasy Whiplash! LIVE” at 9 p.m. EST on Tuesdays (that’s tonight!), we dig deeper into waiver wire gems, fades, and sleepers! I’ll see you back next Tuesday for all your fantasy football news needs.

Be sure to check us out on “Fantasy Whiplash LIVE!” wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube at 9 p.m. EST every Tuesday night! It’s completely different from the hum-drum same-old you’re used to! Have some fun in the chat and drop questions if you’ve got ’em!

For more articles from PlayerProfiler, check out the fantasy home page – NFL Fantasy | PlayerProfiler – Fantasy Football News & Media and follow Samwise on Twitter/X @BuyAndSellYou!