Lamar Jackson, DK Metcalf, NFL Injury Statuses and Fantasy Impact for Week 9

Despite Lamar Jackson's recent absence in practice, Baltimore Ravens fans and fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief in regards to his status against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Jackson didn't participate in practice on Wednesday or Thursday and was listed on the Ravens' injury report with a back/knee issue. The star quarterback revealed on Friday that he'll play against Denver and his availability "wasn't in doubt," per ESPN's Jamison Hensley.

Meanwhile, managers should keep DK Metcalf on the bench. Metcalf is set to miss his second consecutive game due to a sprained MCL after he was ruled out on the Seattle Seahawks' latest injury report.

Here's a look at the significant injury news that could affect fantasy football matchups heading into Week 9's action.

---

• Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL: Will start (back/knee), per Hensley.
• Jordan Love, QB, GB: Questionable (groin), per 97.3 The Game.
• Derek Carr, QB, NO: Will start (oblique), per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
• Travis Etienne Jr., RB, JAX: Game-time decision (hamstring), per Kainani Stevens of Jaguars.com.
• Tony Pollard, RB, TEN: Questionable (foot), per NFL insider Paul Kuharsky.
• Tyjae Spears, RB, TEN: Out (hamstring), per Kuharsky. 
• Zack Moss, RB, CIN: Doubtful (neck), per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
• Brian Thomas Jr., WR, JAX: Game-time decision (chest), per Stevens.
• DK Metcalf, WR, SEA: Out (knee), per NFL insider Brian Nemhauser.
• Amari Cooper, WR, BUF: Questionable (wrist), per Pelissero.
• Curtis Samuel, WR, BUF: Questionable (pec), per Pelissero. 
• Puka Nacua, WR, LAR: Questionable (knee), per Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic.
• Tee Higgins, WR, CIN: Doubtful (quad), per Pelissero. 
• Adam Thielen, WR, CAR: Questionable (hamstring), per ESPN's David Newton. 
• JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, KC: Did not participate in practice on Friday (hamstring), per Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com. 
• Dallas Goedert, TE, PHI: Out (hamstring), per Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. 
• T.J. Hockenson, TE, MIN: Expected to play (knee), per NFL. 
• Noah Fant, TE, SEA: Out (groin), per Nemhauser. 

---

Lamar Jackson Will Play In Showdown With Broncos

While his lack of participation in practice caused some initial concerns, it seems as though the Ravens were just being cautious with Jackson's workload. Baltimore will have a quick turnaround after playing Denver, hosting the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters that Jackson's absence was a "rest day," per the team's official website.

"We have a game, a quick game, and another big game coming up, so that was warranted today," Harbaugh said.

Jackson has remained one of the top quarterbacks in fantasy football during the 2024 season, suiting up in all eight of Baltimore's games. He's recorded 2,099 yards through the air to go along with 17 passing touchdowns and just two interceptions, adding another 501 yards on the ground.

---

DK Metcalf Out With Knee Injury

Metcalf appeared to be headed towards his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance prior to suffering the injury against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. He hauled in 35 receptions for 568 yards and two touchdowns in his first seven appearances.

His average of 81.1 receiving yards per game represented the second-highest mark of his career.

With Metcalf and tight end Noah Fant ruled out, managers looking for a replacement could target several options on the Seahawks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba should see an increased role, while Tyler Lockett could be a waiver option if he isn't rostered.

Lockett is available in 38 percent of Yahoo fantasy leagues, per FantasyPros.

For managers targeting an external option, Bills wideout Keon Coleman could be a choice. The rookie receiver has looked impressive as of late, catching nine passes for 195 yards and a touchdown over the past two weeks.

As for Metcalf, his next opportunity to return will be after the bye when the Seahawks face off against the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 17.