Israel Abanikanda earns the practice squad elevation over Kendre Miller after logging 91 rushing yards and three receptions across 22 preseason carries. The hyper-athletic Abanikanda takes on the primary backup role behind Javonte Williams after the team sent Tyler Goodson to IR.
Avoid starting Abanikanda in traditional redraft formats this week until he establishes trust as a potential Williams handcuff. Fantasy managers in deeper seasonal leagues and dynasty formats should consider stashing Abanikanda as high-upside handcuff insurance for Williams.
With Josh Downs traded to Kansas City, Indianapolis rookie wide receiver Deion Burks will step into an expanded route share after playing on only 16 percent of dropbacks through nine weeks. Burks has flashed efficiency on a small sample, earning targets on 18 percent of his routes with a 17.5 average depth of target alongside Laquon Treadwell.
Fantasy managers in traditional 10 and 12 team formats should no not burn high-stakes waiver capital on any wide receiver in the Colts passing attack. However, deep dynasty leagues manager with multiple flex spots should consider stashing Burks in case he earns consistent target volume.
Jonathon Brooks misses his seventh consecutive game due to a core muscle injury after logging limited practice sessions all week for Carolina. Meanwhile, Chuba Hubbard handles workhorse duties boasting an 80.0-percent snap share and an 18.3 fantasy points per game average.
Fantasy managers can freely lock Hubbard into lineups as a back-end RB1 for Week 10 in a plus matchup against the Saints. Keep Brooks on benches as an upside stash until he proves he can command touches upon return.
Packers beat writer Matt Schneidman reports that extending MarShawn Lloyd beyond 2027 is unlikely due to his persistent struggles. The young running back continues relying on lateral speed instead of attacking downhill.
Fantasy managers should completely fade Lloyd outside of deep formats since he currently ranks 50th among running backs with 149 rushing yards and 2.6 yards per carry. Reallocate roster spots toward high-upside backfield stashes, ideally with passing game roles.
Travis Etienne has sufficiently healed from a serious hamstring strain suffered in Week 3 and will play Week 10. The running back logged back-to-back full practices this week and is ready to start for the Saints.
Fantasy managers may deploy Etienne as a FLEX option in a favorable matchup against Carolina. This return pushes Alvin Kamara and Audric Estimé back into secondary rotational roles. Kamara and Estimé have utility in very deep leagues.
Jordyn Tyson made his return in week 9 after missing almost three months with a recurring hamstring injury. The Saints sent him to the University of Wisconsin on two separate occasions to work with Dr. Heiderscheit, who previously worked with Christian Watson to overcome a similar hamstring issue.
Heiderscheit discovered a weakness in Tyson’s hamstring fascia and provided a regimen that will hopefully prevent the hamstring issue from reoccurring in the future.
Tyson made his return this week and recorded 4 catches for 30 yards on 5 targets. His target rate was 31%, but only on a 2.2 average depth of target. He ran a route on just 35% of dropbacks so that will be worth monitoring as he works his way back into the offense.
