LeSean McCoy (RB-BUF)
McCoy was held out of this past week’s game which was the right decision as he needs time to let his hamstring fully heal. Buffalo seems hopeful he can return to practice later this week and they will have an extra day as the Bills play Seattle next Monday night. However, they are also on a bye the following week so it is extremely plausible that the Bills will sit McCoy again and give him the extra time to be 100% by the time Week 11 rolls around.
Ben Roethlisberger (QB-PIT)
Big Ben was a participant in practice on Monday which is a good indication that he is preparing to play next Sunday against the Ravens. It is still too early in the week to make a firm determination either way about his availability, but it is certainly good news that he is practicing already. Roethlisberger is a must-start if he plays, especially against Baltimore because these two bitter rivals always play crazy games against each other.
Devontae Booker (RB-DEN)
After C.J. Anderson was lost to a knee injury, Booker was elevated to Denver’s number one running back and a must-start fantasy option. However, he did play through a shoulder injury against San Diego this past Sunday and is undergoing some additional tests. Right now all indications are that this is just procedural and he is expected to be ready for next Sunday night against Oakland. Check back later in the week to make sure Booker has the green light because he will have a very favorable matchup against the Raiders in what should be a high scoring game.
Corey Coleman (WR-CLE)
After missing the past six games with a broken hand, Corey Coleman has been cleared to return to practice and will be back on the field for Week 9. He had a huge game back in Week 2 and appeared to be on the verge of being a legitimate fantasy option before suffering the unfortunate injury. The Browns are a mess but someone has to catch the passes. Terrelle Pryor emerged as the team’s number one receiver in his absence so now Coleman may get some favorable matchups against opposing teams’ number two defensive back.
Jacquizz Rodgers (RB-TB)
Rodgers has filled in admirably for the injured Doug Martin and became a viable fantasy option over the past few weeks. However, he suffered a left foot injury against Oakland on Sunday and was seen in a walking boot on Monday. While we don’t know the extent of the injury just yet, it is a fair assumption that Rodgers will not be available on Thursday night against Atlanta. With such a quick turnaround, there just isn’t enough time for him to sufficiently heal. None of Tampa Bay’s alternatives at running back should even be on your radar for Week 9.
Ty Montgomery (RB/WR-GB)
Just a short while after fantasy GMs had their dreams come true when Montgomery was given running back eligibility, he was held out of Sunday’s game with a kidney-related illness. Green Bay is hoping he will be able to return for Week 9 against Indianapolis which would bode well for GMs because the Packers should have a field day against the Colts defense. Look for further updates later in the week and with any luck you will be able to plug Montgomery into your lineup as a RB2.
Alex Smith (QB-KC)
Smith was taken out of Sunday’s game on two separate occasions for concussion protocol and then Kansas City reported on Monday that he didn’t actually suffer a concussion. The impression is that he is going to play next week against Jacksonville which makes him an interesting streaming option if your starter is on a bye. Just be aware that the Chiefs will likely have a short leash on him if he takes any hits or seems woozy at all.
Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and is also the co-host of the Fantasy Alarm podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment),