When Is Travis Etienne Jr. Coming Back - Week 9 Fantasy Football Injury Return Update (2026)
On the surface, Travis Etienne Jr. signing with the New Orleans Saints in free agency seemed like a potential game-changing […]
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Waiver Wire Pickups Week 9
Gridiron Experts’ Week 9 waiver wire list highlights streaming and depth options across key positions. Quarterbacks: J.J. McCarthy (Giants) earns a Superflex stream after a solid 20‑28‑252 debut and a favorable matchup at Philadelphia, while Gardner Minshew (Cardinals) becomes a starter but faces a tough Seattle test. Running backs: Mike Washington Jr. (Raiders) offers 25‑carry volume against the 49ers; Tyler Allgeier (Cardinals) provides big‑play upside if injuries persist; Kenneth Gainwell (Buccaneers) posts back‑to‑back 140‑yard games but meets a strong Bears run defense. Wide receivers: Makai Lemon (Eagles) delivers consistent PPR floor despite potential target drop with DeVonta Smith’s return, and rookie Jordyn Tyson (Saints) is a stash pending practice clearance. The piece flags each player’s role, matchup and fantasy value for Week 9.
NFC South Week 8 Review: No one wants to win this thing
The NFC South remains a mess as all four teams struggle to find a winning groove. Tampa Bay finally breaks its 1‑5 slump with a 16‑0 shutout of Atlanta, relying on a 300‑yard ground game and four interceptions of Michael Penix Jr. The Panthers fall 27‑19 to Green Bay, exposing Bryce Young to relentless pressure and leading to defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s dismissal. New Orleans sits on a bye, hoping to recover from injury‑marred play before facing Cleveland. Atlanta’s 0‑16 loss to Tampa Bay highlights a porous offensive line and a defense that surrendered 324 rushing yards. With each team below .500, the division title looks set for a chaotic photo finish.
State of the NFC South: Week 8
In Week 8 of the NFC South, Tampa Bay finally snapped its slump, shutting out Atlanta 16‑0 in a rain‑soaked showdown. Baker Mayfield went 0‑3 with zero passing yards, while Bucky Irving exploded for 170 yards and a TD, and Kenneth Gainwell added 140 yards, giving the Buccaneers a two‑game winning streak before they face the Chicago Bears. The Carolina Panthers, reeling after firing their defensive coordinator, lost ground in the division race despite Bryce Young’s solid play and a strong run defense, and now must halt a slide against Denver. Atlanta’s offense sputtered, with Michael Penix throwing four interceptions in a 8‑24 passing night, leaving them vulnerable ahead of a matchup with the 5‑2 Bengals. The New Orleans Saints sit on a bye, gearing up for a rematch with Cleveland.
Saints could get three key players closer to returning to practice
The New Orleans Saints may see three injured players—wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, running back Travis Etienne Jr., and offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.—re‑evaluated by the medical staff on Monday, with a possible return to practice on Wednesday. Coach Kellen Moore says their status hinges on additional work in the training room. Tyson could be back as early as the upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns, while Etienne’s return is critical for reviving a struggling run game after the firing of coordinator T.J. Paganetti. Banks’ comeback would stabilize an offensive line plagued by penalties. The week’s assessments will determine if any of them can safely return for the stretch run.
Zay Flowers, Jonathan Taylor and other Week 9 fantasy football bad beats to worry about
Week 8 revealed several fantasy red flags as managers head into Week 9. Ravens WR Zay Flowers records zero catches despite five targets after both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley leave with injuries, casting doubt on his starter status. Colts RB Jonathan Taylor limps to just 23 rushing yards and 24 receiving yards amid trade rumors and a struggling offense. Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. throws four interceptions in a 125‑yard, zero‑score outing, likely relegating him to a QB2 role. Saints RB Alvin Kamara nets only five rushing yards but catches seven passes for 57 yards before the bye. Broncos WR Courtland Sutton sees just four targets and no TDs in seven games, while teammate Jaylen Waddle secures a TD and the most targets, emerging as Denver’s primary fantasy receiver. The article urges managers to weigh these bad beats against temporary luck before adjusting lineups.
New Orleans Saints News: After the bye week, the Saints make a coaching change
After a Week 8 bye, the New Orleans Saints fire run‑game coordinator T.J. Paganetti, hoping to spark a struggling ground attack. Offensive line coach Brendan Nugent will assume greater offensive responsibilities, while head coach Kellen Moore monitors the status of WR Jordyn Tyson, LT Kelvin Banks Jr. and RB Travis Etienne Jr., who remain on IR. The move signals the franchise’s urgency to improve the run game, though questions remain about the impact and whether GM Mickey Loomis will face further scrutiny.
Browns trade deadline: Former defender on the market; GM Andrew Berry likely has interest
With the NFL trade deadline looming, the Cleveland Browns’ Week 9 showdown against the New Orleans Saints could shape GM Andrew Berry’s next move. A 5-4 record may keep the roster stable, while a 6-3 win could push Berry to pursue edge help, especially after losing DE Alex Wright and questioning Jared Verse’s play. The Browns have eyed veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who’s been a rotational DE for the struggling Texans, posting 4 QB hits, 2 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 125 snaps. Houston may entertain offers for Clowney—likely a late‑round pick—if they’re forced into a sell‑off after a loss to the Chargers, making him a potential late‑deadline target for Cleveland.
Too many sacks for Deshaun Watson and Browns offense
The Browns fell 27-6 to the Steelers in Week 8, as Deshaun Watson endured eight sacks and a 0‑3 red‑zone record. Watson threw for 324 yards on 27 of 39 attempts but lost a fumble and graded a low 47.5 by PFF. Cleveland’s ground game sputtered, with Dylan Sampson posting a 7‑yard carry and 62 receiving yards, while Quinshon Judkins managed just 25 rushing yards. Tight end Harold Fannin shone with 10 catches for 154 yards, the highest‑graded player at 76.4, but the offensive line couldn’t protect against Pittsburgh’s dominant front. The Browns now face a more favorable Saints defense next week.
Cleveland Browns news: Left to pick up the pieces once again
The Cleveland Browns fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, extending their recent woes and leaving them scrambling to recover. Despite the 5-3 record, the loss—marked by a sluggish start and missed opportunities—threatens their momentum heading into a crucial pre‑bye stretch with two winnable games remaining. The article previews Week 9 odds against the Saints, discusses potential impacts of New Orleans' coaching change, and highlights draft talk and AFC North standings as the Browns fight to stay in playoff contention.
NFC Notes: Todd Bowles, Jordyn Tyson, Buccaneers, Panthers, Saints
Todd Bowles jokes about a win without a pass after Baker Mayfield finished a rain‑soaked Buccaneers victory with zero completions, recalling the 1974 Bills beat the Jets on the ground. The Bucs sit 3‑5 as they dig in. Carolina’s Jaelan Phillips is day‑to‑day, with RB Jonathon Brooks and WR Xavier Legette awaiting clearance to return, while CB Marco Wilson stays in the lineup and DC Ejiro Evero has been fired. Saints rookie WR Jordyn Tyson may debut in Week 9 versus Cleveland after a summer hamstring setback, according to Adam Schefter.
Saints guard David Edwards takes responsibility following T.J. Paganetti’s firing
After a shaky start, the New Orleans Saints fire run‑game coordinator T.J. Paganetti, and guard David Edwards says the blame isn’t solely on the coach. Speaking after the team’s bye week, Edwards acknowledges the players’ role in the struggling rushing attack, citing poor execution and communication. He urges teammates to improve preparation, stay positive, and practice at a higher level to reset the offense. Edwards stresses that while the coaching change is notable, the Saints must deliver on the field to revive their run game and secure wins.
Saints Fire Run Game Coordinator T.J. Paganetti After Paris Disaster
The New Orleans Saints fire run‑game coordinator T.J. Paganetti three days after a 16‑10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris, dropping the team to 2‑5. The move follows New Orleans’ ranking of 28th in rushing yards per game (86.0) and 30th in yards per carry (3.52), despite offseason efforts to revamp the ground attack. Saints head coach Kellen Moore cited a "self‑scout week" and broader evaluation, but no replacement is named yet. The Paris game exposed a sputtering rushing attack—just 17 carries for 18 yards—fueling concerns about both scheme and line play as the club seeks to revive its run game.
Should the Saints be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline?
The New Orleans Saints sit just one game behind first place in a division where every rival has three wins, putting the team at a crossroads before the trade deadline. The article weighs whether New Orleans should splurge on veteran defensive help—targets like interior tackle Grover Stewart, Daron Payne, or Dalvin Tomlinson—to shore up a run‑stopping crisis, or instead trade away assets and focus on rebuilding. It argues that sacrificing draft capital for a single veteran is risky, suggesting a better strategy may be to flip fringe players such as Justin Reid, Pete Werner, Spencer Rattler, Kendre Miller and Cesar Ruiz for future picks. Ultimately, the piece asks if the Saints should aim for a modest nine‑win push now or preserve long‑term flexibility.
Terps in the NFL Week 8: Huskey gets first taste of success in win over Colts
Rookie safety Jalen Huskey earns his first NFL defensive stats as the Jacksonville Jaguars rout the Indianapolis Colts 42-10 in Week 8. The third‑round pick records a 10‑yard sack on Daniel Jones and three tackles, ending a stretch of five inactive games. Huskey logs 24 defensive snaps, mostly in the box and at free safety, signaling a potential expanded role for the Maryland alum. The Jaguars improve to 5‑2, atop the AFC South, and head to Baltimore for Thursday night. The piece also notes 15 Maryland alumni on NFL fields this week, including Alan Herron’s practice‑squad move with the Saints and various performance highlights across the league.
Saints move on from run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti
The New Orleans Saints have fired Run Game Coordinator T.J. Paganetti after the team posted one of its worst rushing performances in franchise history. Paganetti, who previously helped shape the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl‑winning offensive line, was hired to boost New Orleans' ground game, but the expected improvement never materialized. Sources say his departure could be the first step toward fixing the Saints' struggling run game and offensive line as they try to salvage a disappointing season.
Browns Week 9 opponent makes coaching change, could impact CLE’s weakness
The Browns, reeling from a Week 8 loss to the Steelers that knocked them out of the AFC playoff race, now face a 2‑5 New Orleans Saints in Week 9. The Saints, coming off a bye, have dismissed run‑game coordinator T.J. Paganetti after their rushing attack has plummeted to a league‑worst 86.0 yards per game. With Cleveland’s own run defense exposed against Pittsburgh, the coaching shake‑up could add new wrinkles to New Orleans’ ground game and impact the Browns’ weakness. The article explores how this sudden change might influence the upcoming matchup.
Saints’ Kellen Moore fires coach coming off bye week
After a 1‑4 start and a loss to the Steelers in Paris, the New Orleans Saints fire run‑game coordinator T.J. Paganetti during their week‑long bye, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. With Travis Etienne sidelined by a hamstring and Alvin Kamara struggling to spark the ground attack, head coach Kellen Moore said the staff will be evaluated further if the skid continues. Owner Gayle Benson warned the 1‑4 record is unacceptable and demands immediate improvement. The move aims to revive the Saints’ struggling offense and get them back to winning.
Saints Fired Run Game Coordinator T.J. Paganetti
The New Orleans Saints have dismissed run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports, after the team’s bye week. In the first eight games, New Orleans ranks 31st in EPA per rush attempt and allows the fourth‑most rushing yards per game. Paganetti, 37, brings a decade of experience from Oregon and a nine‑year stint with the Eagles, where he held roles ranging from quality‑control to run‑game specialist before joining the Saints in 2025.
Fantasy Football Defenses to Stream Week 9
Fantasy owners looking to stream defenses for Week 9 get five under‑used options. The Chiefs (15th, 5.4 pts/game) face a low‑scoring Jets unit; the 49ers (10th, 7.0 pts) host a high‑powered Raiders offense; the Giants (20th, 5.1 pts) return from a bye against struggling Eagles; the Lions (25th, 4.0 pts) meet a 31st‑ranked Dolphins attack; and the Saints (23rd, 4.1 pts) tackle a 29th‑ranked Browns. All are owned in less than 55% of ESPN leagues, making them potential waiver‑wire steals.
New Orleans Saints News: Could we see rookie Jordyn Tyson this week?
The Canal Street Chronicles roundup notes that the New Orleans Saints remain unchanged through their bye week, though fans hope for roster tweaks before next week’s trade deadline. Coaching staff is likely staying put, but the article spotlights rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson—still recovering from an injury but “not far away from playing” and possibly debuting soon. It also suggests potential run‑game improvements, a position shift for Jonas Sanker, and speculates on a QB trade. The piece invites fan interaction via the SB Nation app and a daily question about future strategies.
Warren (once again) steals the show
The Steelers went into their matchup against the Saints with a strong commitment to running the football, and it paid off in a 148-yard performance. Against the Browns on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, the Steelers maintained a similar mindset in their 27-6 win.
7 Minnesota Vikings QB Trade Targets As Kyler Murray’s Struggles Linger
Seven games into the 2026 NFL season, the Vikings' offense sputters under Kyler Murray, prompting speculation ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Sportsnaut lists seven QB trade targets: backup Saints rookie Spencer Rattler, former starter Jacoby Brissett of the Cardinals, former Viking Daniel Jones now with the Colts, Chargers star Justin Herbert, Jets veteran Geno Smith, plus two unnamed options. The piece weighs each player's recent stats—Rattler's 67.7% completion rate, Brissett's historic low interception rate, Jones's post‑injury MVP chatter, and Herbert's cannon arm—to gauge whether Minnesota should gamble on a mid‑season upgrade or wait for the offseason.
T.J. Watt Makes History vs. Browns
T.J. Watt sets an NFL record with his 19.5th career sack against the Cleveland Browns, the most ever by a player against that franchise. In the Steelers' Week 4 loss, Watt added four tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass defense, tying Richard Dent and Simeon Rice for 16th all‑time forced fumbles. He is now one forced fumble shy of the Steelers' franchise mark (38) and matches Greg Lloyd. Watt also claims the rare distinction of holding sack‑record marks versus multiple teams (Cleveland and Baltimore). A disputed strip‑sack call in the prior Saints game added to his standout week.
The earliest Saints’ Jordyn Tyson could return from hamstring injury
The New Orleans Saints could see first‑round pick wideout Jordyn Tyson back on the field as early as next Sunday’s matchup with the Cleveland Browns, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. Tyson, drafted eighth overall and sidelined by a hamstring strain, has missed the team’s 2‑5 start. His return would boost a struggling offense that has relied heavily on Chris Olave and quarterback Tyler Shough. The Saints remain in the NFC South race despite the division’s overall weakness, and hope Tyson makes his NFL debut against Cleveland.
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