Week 9 brought another wave of injuries across the NFL, leaving fantasy managers with plenty of questions heading into Week 10. Several notable players were unable to finish their games, while others managed to play through injuries that could still impact their availability moving forward. As we approach the second half of the fantasy football season, these injuries become increasingly important with playoff positioning on the line.
Unfortunately, not every injury comes with an immediate diagnosis or a clear recovery timeline, making it difficult to determine which players are worth holding and when fantasy managers should pivot. Using historical injury data, practice trends, and what we know about each player’s situation, I’ll break down the potential recovery timelines and fantasy implications. Here’s what you need to know about the latest injuries heading into Week 10.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
WR Puka Nacua, LA Rams | Knee | Projection: TBD
Puka Nacua headlines this week’s injury report after suffering an apparent right knee injury during the Rams’ final drive on Sunday.
All-Pro WR Puka Nacua suffered a knee injury on the Rams’ final offensive snap today, and will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury, per @MikeGarafolo and me. The team does not believe he suffered a torn ACL, but the imaging Monday will tell more. https://t.co/S264w2Fe0A
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 8, 2026
Following the game, Nacua was seen walking gingerly with a knee brace, and reports indicate he will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. While the Rams reportedly aren’t concerned about an ACL injury, the decision to pursue imaging raises some concern about potential structural damage.
He was limping here with a brace smh https://t.co/RkUSSQjVac
— Mc gusto (@Mrupandgo_) November 8, 2026
It’s worth noting that Nacua has a history of injuries to this same knee, including a PCL sprain that previously sidelined him for five games. Based on the mechanism of injury, a knee hyperextension is another possibility. However, there are some encouraging signs. Nacua was available to speak with reporters after the game and appeared in good spirits, which offers some optimism, though neither observation rules out a significant injury.
Puka Nacua after the Rams victory. He talked about going into the medical tent after being flagged for concussion protocol, but mentioned nothing about the knee injury and seemed okay to me. https://t.co/jdxNjr0cyD
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) November 8, 2026
So what should fantasy managers expect? There are two potential scenarios. If imaging comes back clean, Nacua could practice sparingly this week but still play in Week 10. His strong Recovery Score and ability to return quickly from his earlier groin/core injury support this possibility. However, if the MRI reveals a bone bruise or other internal knee damage, Nacua could face an absence approaching four weeks.
For now, I wouldn’t automatically rule Nacua out for Week 10. Fantasy managers should closely monitor the results of his MRI and the Rams’ practice reports throughout the week before making any lineup decisions.
QB Patrick Mahomes II, Kansas City | Elbow | Projection: Week 10
Patrick Mahomes II dealt with an elbow injury during Week 9 but was able to play through it. Following the game, Mahomes underwent an MRI, which reportedly revealed no significant damage.
#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes II underwent an MRI following today’s win and sources say the tests did not reveal a major injury. Mahomes’ elbow strain/sprain will be monitored over the next few days for pain and swelling. But so far, so good. Mahomes did go back in the game. https://t.co/uWPbBY3Gaa
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 9, 2026
While it’s possible the Chiefs limit his practice participation this week as a precaution, the encouraging imaging results and his ability to finish the game suggest the injury is relatively minor. At this point, I expect Mahomes to be available for Week 10.
RB Josh Jacobs, Green Bay | Finger Fracture | Projection: Week 10
Josh Jacobs suffered a finger injury in Week 9 after getting his hand caught in an opposing player’s facemask. Jacobs exited the game and did not return, raising concerns about his availability moving forward. However, postgame reports out of Green Bay suggest the Packers are optimistic about finding a way for Jacobs to play through the injury.
Had Jacobs suffered a thumb injury, there would be greater concern about a prolonged absence or potential surgery, similar to what we saw with Jordan Mason earlier this season. Fortunately, given that this appears to be a finger injury, there’s a possibility Jacobs could avoid surgery and play with a custom splint or protective glove. Based on the Packers’ early optimism and the potential for Jacobs to play through the injury, I currently have him projected to play in Week 10.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, New England | Knee | Projection: Week 13
Rhamondre Stevenson injured his knee Sunday and was promptly ruled out. Unlike Puka Nacua, Stevenson was not available for the media post-game, which could suggest a more ominous outlook. As of Monday morning, we do not have specifics regarding the severity, so I've relied on historical comparisons for non-specific knee injuries, which is typically 2-4 weeks. I suspect that Stevenson is out past the Patriots' Week 11 bye.