Week 10 is upon us. Following a stinker of a Thursday night game between the hapless Bears and Panthers, Sunday presents the on field returns of several high profile players, while others suffered setbacks both on and off the field over the past few days.
Here’s the fantasy football news you need to know before setting your Week 10 lineups:
Michael Thomas Arrested
After only suiting up for 10 games over the past 3 years due to a variety of injuries, Thomas now finds himself in hot water with the Kenner police department. The former All-Pro wideout was reportedly arrested without incident on Friday night for simple battery and criminal mischief following an incident with a construction worker. While the plan is for him to suit up vs. the Vikings, this remains a fluid situation, so it’s best to have a backup plan in place.
James Conner To Play In Week 10
After sustaining a knee injury on October 8th vs. the Bengals, Cardinals running back James Conner is set to make his on field return this Sunday vs. Atlanta. Prior to going down, Conner accumulated 364 yards on the ground with 2 TDs. Without the veteran back, Arizona’s offense was anaemic to say the least. While their offensive line remains a work in progress, Conner nevertheless represents a significant upgrade over Tony Jones Jr., Keontay Ingram, and Emari Demercado.
Kyler Murray to Make Season Debut
Following a season ending ACL injury in 2022, former number 1 draft pick Kyler Murray is set to make his 2023 debut this weekend vs. Atlanta. The dual threat QB will take over starting duties from rookie Clayton Tune, after the trade of former QB Joshua Dobbs’ to Minnesota at the trade deadline. While expectations should likely be tempered in his first NFL action in nearly a year, Murray will be an intriguing late season addition to QB needy rosters as leagues head into the fantasy football playoffs.
Deebo Samuel Sheds Injury Designation
After missing the last two games due to a shoulder injury, Deebo Samuel heads into the weekend without an injury designation. ESPN’s Nick Wagner has confirmed that Samuel will be active vs. the Jaguars as San Francisco attempts to halt a 3 game losing streak. Prior to going down Samuel had been relatively boom/bust from a fantasy perspective. In 6 appearances this season Samuel registered 10pts or less in 4 contests (half point PPR) and 20+pts on two other occasions. That being said, the Niners offense has looked lost without Samuel in recent weeks, so one can feel fairly confident that Kyle Shanahan will look to get the speedy wideout involved early and often.
Jefferson Out Vs. Saints
Despite having his 21 day window to return opened by Minnesota, Vikings WR Justin Jefferson will not suit up vs. New Orleans after the Vikes declined to activate him after a week of practices. Expect a steady dose of looks for TJ Hockenson and Jordan Addison for at least one more week on offense for Minnesota.
Keaton Mitchell Expected to Play
After a breakout performance in Week 9, Ravens rookie RB Keaton Mitchell will suit up vs. the Browns on Sunday after giving owners a late week scare with a hamstring injury at practice. The undrafted back popped off for 139 yards and a TD on 9 carries against the Seahawks, but will likely split carries with Gus Edwards against a stout Browns defensive line. Mitchell could very well finish the season as Baltimore’s RB1, but for at least another week, he’ll be looking to carve out a role for himself in a crowded Ravens backfield.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner
Photo: David. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.