Thomas Jr. went down to a light push from a Rams corner late in the team’s Week 7 loss to LA. The shove almost certainly aggravated a preexisting issue. The good news is that players tend to suit up after opening the week with a limited practice, though we suspect BTJ is nowhere near fully healthy. The shoulder issue could cause the Jags to lean on Travis Hunter more coming out of the bye. BTJ will get another week in the WR1 ranks, but his usage will be worth monitoring versus the Raiders.

This may partially explain why ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported earlier that the Patriots are likely targeting a running back ahead of the NFL’s November 4th trade deadline. The injury’s severity has not yet been reported on, but Stevenson has been an offensive focal point for them this season, with rookie RB TreVeyon Henderson failing to meaningfully challenge Stevenson for the starting role. Practice reports over the next two days should clarify Stevenson’s Week 9 availability.

Jackson was a full participant in practice throughout the week and told reporters on Tuesday that he was ready to go. It looked like Jackson would be back in Week 8 after the team listed him as a full participant on Friday, but that charade was quickly unmasked when it was reported that he worked with the scout team for the final practice of the week. The team then ruled him out and even retroactively changed his practice status, a move that could result in a fine. A final week of rest may have been for the best as Jackson appears to be fully healthy, putting him back at the top of the QB ranks for Week 9. His return will also push Zay Flowers up in the WR2 range while keeping Mark Andrews at the back of the TE1 ranks.

Jacobs has played through his calf strain in each of the last two weeks, though it is important to remember that he suffered the injury less than two weeks ago, during Week 7’s Friday practice. Since then, Jacobs has finished as the overall RB7 and RB19 while handling a reduced workload. Hopefully, Jacobs can resume practicing in full soon. He faces the Panthers this weekend.

Earlier this week, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters the team will “see how he’s doing on Wednesday” to get a sense of whether Purdy can return this week. Evidently, nothing has changed, as Purdy’s weekly limited sessions continue. At this point, fantasy managers should expect QB Mac Jones to start against the Giants.

This is an unfortunate development for a player who has already dealt with an ankle injury and a concussion this season. Downs sat out Week 7 with the latter issue, but sandwiched his absence with two WR2 finishes in half-PPR scoring. His practice participation must now be monitored closely. The Colts face the Steelers’ fantasy-friendly defense in Week 9.

Odunze was one of the few bright spots for the Bears amidst a blowout loss to the Tyler Huntley-led Ravens last week. He totaled 114 yards on seven grabs, including three gains of 20 or more yards. He didn’t appear to be hampered by a heel injury, though it could have popped up late in the game or after the contest entirely. Either way, the Bears could be without multiple starting wide receivers in Week 9. In addition to Odunze, DJ Moore, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Luther Burden all missed Wednesday’s practice.

Quinn is confirming what we all knew. McLaurin re-aggravated the quad issue while making a diving catch down the sideline in the fourth quarter. He did not return after suffering the injury. McLaurin initially missed four weeks because of the quad injury. Week 8 was his first game back. At this point, it’s hard to say when McLaurin will be back on the field, but it may not be for a while. In the meantime, Luke McCaffrey and Chris Moore will start in three-receiver sets for Washington.

Carroll told reporters he is “thrilled to have him back.” Carroll may have been talking about getting Bowers back at practice, but it certainly sounds like he will also have his star tight end for Sunday’s game against the Jags. We expect Bowers to be listed as a full participant on the Raiders’ first injury report of the week. Bowers suffered a PCL injury and a bone bruise in Week 1. He played through it for a few games but was eventually shut down. Once officially cleared to play, Bowers will reclaim a spot at the top of the TE1 ranks.

Great news. O’Connell has remained steadfast in his position on McCarthy’s health and readiness, saying he will not allow the young quarterback to resume playing without being fully healthy. McCarthy has apparently reached O’Connell’s desired rehab benchmarks and will start against the division rival Lions this weekend. McCarthy’s play was volatile in his two active games this season, though he intriguingly showcased fantasy-friendly rushing traits, totaling 25 yards on the ground in both games. His proper ranking should crystallize as the week progresses. The Lions entered their Week 8 bye with myriad injuries in the secondary, the current status of which could prove pivotal for McCarthy’s passing performance.