Fantasy Injury Updates: Latest news on DeAndre Hopkins, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, impacting Week 9 start-sit decisions

Plenty of key early-game WRs are “questionable” in Week 9, but the pain doesn’t stop there for fantasy football owners. At least three stud pass-catchers in the late-afternoon games figure to be game-time decisions, too, as DeAndre Hopkins, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle will all have fantasy owners checking for news before finalizing their start ’em, sit ’em decisions. We’ll be here to help with the latest injury updates throughout the day on Sunday. 

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WEEK 9 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start ’em, sit ’em

Is DeAndre Hopkins playing Week 9?

Hopkins (hamstring) was in and out of last week’s game and failed to practice this week, but he’s still listed as “questionable” for Sunday’s late-afternoon contest in San Francisco.

Arizona’s star WR has played despite missing practice numerous times in the past, including twice this season. At this point, though, it’s tough to expect him to suit up. Fantasy football owners should have alternate plans, especially with Arizona playing a late-afternoon game. With A.J. Green (COVID) also likely out, Christian Kirk and Rondale Moore could see a lot of targets and have considerable value. If Hopkins plays, expect him to be used somewhat sparingly again, but he’d still be worth using as at least a WR3. 

WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Is Deebo Samuel playing Week 9?

Samuel (calf) was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday, and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan implied the stud WR will be a legit game-time decision this week. 

If Samuel is active, he’s a must-start, though obviously there’s a risk he’ll be knocked out early. Still, you have to take that chance. If Samuel is out, Brandon Aiyuk would likely see a big uptick in touches/targets and be worth a WR3 spot. 

WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Is George Kittle playing Week 9?

Kittle (calf) was activated from the IR on Friday and is expected to play against the Cardinals this week.

WEEK 9 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings | Yahoo

As always, Kittle is a must-start when active. He’s disappointed this year when healthy, but his upside is still higher than virtually any other TE you’d consider playing. If Kittle is a surprise scratch, then Ross Dwelley would start in his place, but he’s not a real fantasy option.

WEEK 9 DFS: Best stacks | Best values | Lineup Builder