Injuries to Puka Nacua, Josh Downs, and DJ Chark Impacting Week 9 Rankings

After enjoying all the games and all the fantasy football performances last week, the cruel reality of scheduling returns, and so do the bye weeks. With fewer players to choose from, fantasy managers must monitor the injury news closely in order to make quick pivots if necessary. What is the latest injury news on Puka Nacua, Josh Downs, and DJ Chark?

Latest News and Injury Updates Impacting Fantasy

Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Editor’s Note (Nov. 5 4:20 a.m. ET): Nacua is expected to play in Week 9, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Breakout Rams star Nacua has been dealing with some knee swelling that came up after the Rams’ loss to Dallas in Week 8. He was a limited participant in practice all week, and he has officially been listed as questionable going into Sunday’s game in Green Bay. Nacua is currently WR4 on the season and on track to have one of the best rookie WR seasons ever.

If Nacua is sidelined, it should be mainly the Cooper Kupp show. However, even if Nacua does start, it is tough to feel confident starting him with QB Matthew Stafford, who is questionable to play with a thumb injury.

It could be Brett Rypien under center, and that does not bode well for Nacua’s fantasy value. Monitor the inactives on Sunday that are released 90 minutes before kickoff.

Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Editor’s Note (Nov. 5 4:20 a.m. ET): Downs “tracking to play” in Week 9 but is not 100% as he will need to test the injury pre-game, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Rookie sensation Downs has had a solid year and looks to be improving almost every week. He is currently WR31, with his best week being WR3 in Week 7 against Cleveland. However, Downs popped up on the injury report on Friday with a knee issue and is now listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Panthers.

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Even if Downs is available to play, the matchup leaves much to be desired. The Panthers allow the second-fewest pass attempts and sixth-fewest passing yards to opposing pass catchers.

The best way to attack Carolina is through the ground attack, and if Downs cannot play, I think there will be an uptick in carries for Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss. Michael Pittman could see a few more targets if he manages to break free.

DJ Chark, WR, Carolina Panthers

Editor’s Note (Nov. 5 4:20 a.m. ET): Chark is expected to play in Week 9, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Carolina Panthers won their first game in Week 8, and they head into this week ready to take on the Colts. Their main weapon in the passing game has been Adam Thielen, who is currently WR8 on the year and the picture of consistency. Chark has been contributing when he can, and his best fantasy finish has been WR12 in Week 3.

Chark sat out of the first practice this week and was back practicing on Thursday but in a non-contact jersey. He is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game with an elbow issue. If he is unable to play, expect rookie Jonathan Mingo to possibly get more targets and time on the field. It is a decent matchup against Indianapolis, who are bottom eight in passing yards allowed.

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