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Ken Walker III's late-week groin injury has thrown fantasy managers a curveball heading into Week 10. Meanwhile, several key players are returning from injury, but that doesn't guarantee their usual fantasy production. Here's what you need to know before setting your Week 10 lineups.
RB Ken Walker III | 1:00 PM EST Kickoff
Ken Walker III was a late addition to the Chiefs' injury report with a groin injury and has been ruled out for Week 10, so make sure he is out of all lineups.
Historically, Walker has missed at least one game whenever he's dealt with a groin or core injury. Despite his lengthy injury history, Walker boasts a top-tier Recovery Score, a metric comparing his historical recovery timelines to positional averages. I don't anticipate this becoming a long-term issue, but with Walker sidelined, Emmett Johnson becomes an appealing spot-start option for fantasy managers.
RB David Montgomery | 1:00 PM EST Kickoff
David Montgomery logged his first full practice on Friday after missing three games with a groin injury and appears on track to return in Week 10. Historical trends are encouraging, with more than 80% of NFL running backs scoring within their normal fantasy-point variance upon returning from groin injuries. While snap share can be a concern, Montgomery was already splitting time with Woody Marks before his injury, averaging around 50% of the snaps. I expect Montgomery to resume his usual role in Houston's backfield, including potentially handling the majority of goal-line opportunities.
RB Travis Etienne Jr. | 1:00 PM EST Kickoff
The Saints plan to activate Travis Etienne Jr. from injured reserve after he missed multiple weeks with a hamstring injury. Historically, NFL running backs experience an average decline of approximately 14% in fantasy production when returning from hamstring injuries. Given his extended absence, there's also the possibility that Etienne's workload is limited as he works his way back. While he was likely drafted as an automatic starter, I'd view Etienne as more of a flex option in Week 10 than a must-start.
WR Deebo Samuel Sr. | 4:25 PM EST Kickoff
Deebo Samuel Sr. is off the injury report and expected to play in Week 10, but fantasy managers should temper expectations. Samuel has 15 documented injuries in his NFL career, and his fantasy production has declined by more than 20% on average after returning. Given the consistency of these struggles, there's reason to be cautious despite his return to full health. I wouldn't consider Samuel an automatic start this week, particularly if you have other viable options.
For a deeper look at this week's key injuries, including Sunday morning's latest updates, historical injury data, and fantasy recommendations, check out the complete breakdown at Footballguys.
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