NFL Week 9 Injury Report & QB Changes: Cardinals Name Minshew Starter, Love & Knight Updates, Cross & McLaurin Impact
By NFL Sports Editorial Desk · Published
Week 8 reshuffled backfields and quarterback rooms across the league. From Arizona naming Gardner Minshew its Week 9 starter while evaluating injuries to running backs Jeremiyah Love and Bam Knight, to Washington redistributing targets after Terry McLaurin's season-ending injury, here is the verified Week 9 medical and depth-chart status report.
Week 9 Key Player Status & Replacement Matrix
Gardner Minshew / Jacoby Brissett
After benching Jacoby Brissett during Sunday's 33-30 win over Dallas, Arizona named Gardner Minshew its starting quarterback for Week 9 at Seattle, with rookie Carson Beck elevated to primary backup over Brissett.
Jeremiyah Love & Bam Knight
Both backs exited Sunday's game against Dallas. In their absence, Tyler Allgeier erupted for 191 yards and 2 touchdowns on 16 touches, making Allgeier a top waiver wire priority if either starter misses Week 9 at Seattle.
Terry McLaurin
In Washington's first full game since McLaurin's season-ending injury (a 27-10 win over Philadelphia), rookie WR Antonio Williams led the Commanders in routes (28), targets (7), and receptions (5), while TE Chigoziem Okonkwo saw 4 targets.
A.J. Brown
With Brown inactive in Week 8 against Miami, slot receiver DeMario Douglas paced New England with 76 yards on 3 catches, highlighted by a 48-yard fourth-quarter touchdown.
Charles Cross & Zach Charbonnet
Left tackle Charles Cross is expected to miss one to two weeks with a high ankle sprain, prompting Seattle's trade for 8-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson. Meanwhile, RB Zach Charbonnet (knee) cleared the injury report for his return.
RJ Harvey
With Harvey dealing with injuries and J.K. Dobbins struggling for efficiency, Jonah Coleman posted a 20-point fantasy performance in Denver's 28-24 win over Kansas City and projects as the Broncos' lead back at Carolina in Week 9.
Jalen Hurts
Placed on IR on October 17 with no announced return date. Tanner McKee remains the starter as Philadelphia looks to snap a six-game losing streak against the New York Giants in Week 9.
How to Handle Week 9 Injuries on the Waiver Wire
Early-week injury reports establish contingency plans rather than guaranteed Sunday workloads. Use our Interactive FAAB Calculator and Week 9 Waiver Wire Top 15 Guide to calibrate claims:
- Arizona Backfield (Tyler Allgeier): Because Allgeier's Week 9 touch ceiling depends on whether Jeremiyah Love (ankle) or Bam Knight (concussion) clears practice protocols before Sunday's 4:25 PM ET kickoff at Seattle, treat Allgeier as a high-upside contingency claim rather than an uncontested rest-of-season bell cow.
- Denver Backfield (Jonah Coleman): Unlike short-term injury fill-ins, Coleman (52% rostered) has seized clear RB1 control in Denver over J.K. Dobbins and injured rookie RJ Harvey, warranting aggressive Tier 1 FAAB bids ahead of Week 9 at Carolina.
- Philadelphia Quarterback Situation: See our dedicated Jalen Hurts IR timeline report and Week 7 sourced medical log for confirmed Eagles roster moves.