Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs (toe) and Michael Pittman Jr. (back) did not practice on Wednesday. Both players have been battling their respective injuries for several weeks and have missed several consecutive Wednesday practices. Neither player was restricted in Week 8 so their lack of activity appears to be related to rest rather than a setback in their injuries. The Colts will need a full complement of wide receivers as they turn to Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback after benching Anthony Richardson this week. Both players have put up solid numbers with Joe Flacco under center for parts of three games in 2024. Downs has especially been a target hog since he first took the field in Week 3. He has earned nine or more targets in four of six games. In three games with Flacco playing a significant amount of snaps, Pittman saw a total of 23 targets. Both players are in a great position to see serious volume as the Colts will likely start to complete a significant amount of passes with Flacco. Fantasy managers should monitor the status of both leading up to the weekend, but for now, there is no cause for concern.

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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) were both limited in practice on Wednesday. Both players left the Jaguars' Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers early with their respective injuries. With wide receiver Christian Kirk (collarbone) already out for the season, the Jaguars are thin at the position. Head coach Doug Pederson inspired confidence in the fact that Davis "should be fine" which suggests that he may be back on the field in Week 9. However, Thomas was originally given a 2-4 week timeframe before receiving a second opinion that revealed that he could also be ready for Week 9. Given that many players dealing with any kind of injury are often held out of Wednesday's practice, it is a relief to see that Thomas is back on the field in some capacity so soon. While Davis has been primarily irrelevant in fantasy football, Thomas has been anything but. He currently sits as the WR7 and is sixth in the league in receiving yards with 573. He has also hauled in five touchdowns. Fantasy managers would be elated to see Thomas take the field in Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, if Thomas is unable to suit up and Davis is, then Davis would step into the No. 1 wide receiver role for the Jaguars. Davis is a worthy bench stash with Kirk out for the year regardless of Thomas' Week 9 status.

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (back/knee) was a DNP in practice on Wednesday due to back and knee injuries. Wednesday is often a rest day for veterans so Jackson's lack of participation is not concerning at this point. Providing further confidence in Jackson's ability to bounce back is the fact that he played so well in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns while showing no sign of a significant injury. Jackson threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns and added 46 yards on the ground. He posted a QBR of 80.3. Jackson has had an MVP-caliber season in 2024. He has thrown for 2,099 yards and 17 touchdowns with only two interceptions. He has added 501 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His QBR of 74.9 is the second-highest of his career. Fantasy managers who have been relying on that kind of production should monitor the Ravens' practice report on Thursday and Friday to ensure that Jackson logs some level of activity. As long as he retakes the field before the weekend, then his DNP on Wednesday should be a null point.

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Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is expected to play a full allotment of snaps in Week 9 in his first game back from a torn ACL and MCL. Hockenson has been practicing with the team for a couple of weeks and will finally make his long-anticipated season debut when the Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football. Hockenson logged a full practice on Wednesday. His practice activity over the last couple of weeks should put him in a good position to succeed immediately. Hockenson's return will be a welcome one for fantasy managers who have stashed him all year. He was a stud in 2023 when he racked up 960 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 15 games. Hockenson has been an excellent vertical threat throughout his career and will look to step right back into that role. His presence will undoubtedly help wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in the passing game because Hockenson will give defenses one more weapon to cover. Expect Hockenson to take a couple of weeks to get back into the swing of a regular season game. However, he should begin to produce TE1 numbers before long.

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New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (concussion) was seen on the field working with the training staff during Wednesday's practice according to Art Stapleton of USA Today. Stapleton further reported that if the rookie running back responds well he could progress to a non-contact participant on Thursday. Tracy sustained a concussion during the final quarter in Monday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression during the week as he could have an outside chance of suiting up to face Washington if he progresses through the concussion protocol. If not, veteran Devin Singletary should be expected to take the lead in Week 9.

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Las Vegas Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers is considered "fine" according to Vic Tafur. This is a great sign as the rookie standout had to be checked out during last weekend's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. In this game, Bowers continued his excellent rookie campaign as he scored double-digit PPR points for the fourth-straight game. Throughout his first eight NFL games, the Georgia product has averaged 14.1 PPR points per game and tallied 66.9 yards and 6.5 receptions per game. Fantasy managers should view Bowers as a high-end TE1 going forward and he should be locked into all lineups this weekend as he faces the Cincinnati Bengals who have allowed the 26th-most PPR points to opposing tight ends this season.

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young will start in Week 9 according to Steve Reed of the Associated Press. Reed noted that head coach Dave Canales was impressed with how the sophomore QB performed last weekend and that he "wants to continue to find the things that he is confident in." Last Sunday against a tough Denver Broncos defense, Young turned in his best start of the season as he threw for 224 yards and two scores and two interceptions. This was his first time this season he eclipsed the 200-yard mark and tallied multiple scores in a game. He has a much more favorable matchup this weekend facing the New Orleans Saints who have allowed the 17th-most points to opposing QBs.

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Bad luck and bad timing make Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud tough to start in one-QB formats on Thursday against the New York Jets. Despite the Jets being dysfunctional, even for them, they rank second in the NFL in yards after catch allowed and tied for third with six passing touchdowns surrendered in eight games. New York boasts two excellent coverage corners in Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, and Houston will face them when top wide receivers Nico Collins (hamstring) and Stefon Diggs (knee) are on injured reserve. Backup wide receivers, a short week, and a bad matchup is a lot to dislike, so fantasy managers should strongly consider their other options in Week 9.

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session according to David Newton of ESPN. Thielen has been on the injured reserve since the third week of the season after sustaining an injury against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the veteran wideout was able to practice in a limited capacity last week and seeing him continue to participate is promising sign. Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the week as he could return as early as this weekend to face the New Orleans Saints. With Diontae Johnson being shipped to the Baltimore Ravens, Thielen could eventually serve as the top pass catching option in Carolina down the stretch.

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Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) turned in a full practice on Wednesday according to David Newton of ESPN. The former second-round selection has been sidelined throughout his entire rookie career due to a torn ACL he suffered last November. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status going forward but a full practice could suggest he may be nearing his NFL debut. However, the Panthers may opt to exercise extreme caution with their young running back given their position in the standings. For now, Brooks remains a high-end stash option. Chuba Hubbard should be expected to remain as the lead back for the time being,

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Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz's role as a receiver took a major hit in the offseason, but injuries could change that in Week 9 against the New York Jets. Houston will be without their first and second options on Thursday, as wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) will be out at least another week and Stefon Diggs (knee) will miss the rest of the season. More targets might be on the way for the big tight end, who is a disappointing 25th among fantasy tight ends so far. The Jets are a tough matchup, ranking ninth against tight ends, though Schultz is coming off his best receiving yardage total of the season (52) last week. He's still a TE2 option, albeit with some upside under the circumstances.

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Injuries have rearranged the Houston Texans' offense, leaving wide receiver Tank Dell as the team's top pass-catching option heading into a Thursday Night Football showdown at the New York Jets. The 25-year-old figures to see a significant, if temporary, role increase with fellow receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) set to miss a minimum of one more game and Stefon Diggs (knee) out for the season. Unfortunately for Houston, the Jets boast arguably the best cornerback tandem in football with Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed. Dell caught a touchdown last week and should see more targets, though this matchup isn't ideal, making him a low-end WR2 or flex option in Week 9.

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Despite the Houston Texans' numerous offensive changes, running back Joe Mixon remains a RB1 option against the New York Jets on Thursday. The 28-year-old has one of the best fantasy situations in the league as a legitimate feature back who gets targets and red-zone work on a good offense, and he's delivered three straight top-10 finishes among running backs. Now, Houston could lean on its running game even more with top receivers Nico Collins (hamstring) and Stefon Diggs (knee) on injured reserve. The Jets are allowing just under 126 rushing yards per game, which ranks 17th in the NFL, and their 10 rushing touchdowns allowed is more than all but three teams. Mixon is a clear starter in Week 9.

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Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) was not seen at Wednesday's practice according to Jeff McLane of the Inquirer. The 29-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in the opening quarter of their Week 6 game against the Cleveland Browns. If Goedert is unable to return to practice he could be in danger of missing his third-straight game. While Goedert has been sidelined, No.2 tight end Grant Calcaterra has taken the lead and enjoyed a productive game last weekend as he brought in all three of his targets for 58 yards. Calcaterra should be viewed as a high-end TE2 this weekend if he gets the start facing the Jaguars who have allowed the 23rd-most PPR points to opposing tight ends this season.

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) was on a pitch count during Wednesday's practice but is still expected to start on Sunday according to Matthew Paras of The Times-Picayune. Carr has been sidelined since suffering the oblique injury in their Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. In his absence, the Saints turned to rookie Spencer Rattler who averaged 190.3 passing yards and per game and was pulled in his most recent start. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Carr's status throughout the week. If he is able to return to action, he should be viewed as a QB2 with upside facing the Carolina Panthers who have allowed the 28th-most points to opposing QBs this season.

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) will not practice on Wednesday according to Curtis Crabtree of FOX13 Seattle. However, Crabtree noted that the team remains optimistic he will practice tomorrow and play this weekend. Metcalf sustained this knee injury during their Week 7 tilt against the Atlanta Falcons. Metcalf was unable to play last weekend. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week in case he faces a setback. If Metcalf can suit up this weekend, he should be viewed as a high-end WR2, facing the Los Angeles Rams who have allowed the 11th-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (undisclosed) is not on the practice field during Wednesday's practice session that is open to the media. The two-time NFL MVP finished the Week 8 game against the Cleveland Browns, so it's unclear what is causing his absence. However, the team's official Wednesday injury report that comes out later in the afternoon will bring clarity. Assuming Jackson is good to go for the Week 9 matchup with the Denver Broncos, he will once again have overall QB1 upside in fantasy football. The Broncos have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, but Jackson has proven to have a nuclear fantasy ceiling in any matchup. Jackson is the QB1 so far in 2024, averaging 25.5 fantasy points per game behind 2,099 passing yards, 501 rushing yards, and 19 total touchdowns. Josh Johnson would start for Baltimore if Jackson cannot go.

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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (ankle) is not practicing on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. The veteran said his ankle is sore, but he expects to be fine. Goff posted just 85 passing yards in the Week 8 blowout win over the Tennessee Titans, but he tossed three touchdown passes. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft has at least two touchdowns in each of his last five games and has been one of the best quarterbacks in the league in recent weeks. It would be a surprise if he misses the Week 9 game against the Green Bay Packers, but fantasy managers of Goff and the Detroit pass-catchers should monitor his status. Assuming Goff is good to go, he'll face a tough matchup against a Green Bay defense that has surrendered the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to QBs. If he's at risk of being out, second-year quarterback Hendon Hooker would draw the start.

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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (undisclosed) is not participating in Wednesday's practice. It will be unclear what is holding Jacobs out until the team releases its official injury report after practice wraps up, but hopefully, it's more of a rest absence instead of a notable injury. The former Las Vegas Raider has gotten out to a solid start with his new team, rushing 145 times for 667 yards and three touchdowns. He also has one receiving score. His lack of touchdowns is hurting his fantasy production, but he ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing yards. If Jacobs is good to go for Week 9 against the Detroit Lions, he carries a mid-level RB2 outlook for the upcoming slate. The Lions have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season, but Jacobs' workload in a high-powered offense gives him a favorable fantasy floor and ceiling in any matchup. If he's at risk of missing Sunday's game, Emanuel Wilson will become a hot waiver wire add worth starting.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (quad) is not suited up for Wednesday's practice, signifying he will log a "DNP" to begin the week. The 25-year-old was a late addition to the team's injury report last week with a quad injury and did not play in the Week 8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It has become a theme for Higgins to miss a few games each season, which is not ideal for fantasy managers and the Cincinnati offense. Higgins was beginning to heat up before suffering the quad injury, racking up at least 60 receiving yards in each of his last four games and scoring three touchdowns during that stretch. In Higgins' absence last week, Andrei Iosivas and Jermaine Burton combined for just one catch on six targets. Meanwhile, tight end Mike Gesicki racked up seven catches for 73 yards on eight targets. Outside of Ja'Marr Chase, none of the Bengals' pass-catchers are sure things to produce if Higgins misses another contest, but it's worth noting the Las Vegas Raiders, the Bengals' Week 9 opponent, present a neutral matchup for tight ends and an unfavorable matchup for wideouts.

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