Fantasy Football Injury Update: Three Key Quarterbacks Set to Return in Week 9

The injury bug has hit quarterback rooms hard this season, but Week 9 brings promising news for fantasy managers. Three signal-callers are poised to return from extended absences, each carrying different levels of upside and risk for your lineup decisions.

Jayden Daniels (QB - Washington Commanders)

Daniels practiced in full all week and looks set to return Sunday against Seattle after missing Week 8 with a hamstring strain. The rookie suffered the injury during Washington's Week 7 loss to Dallas but avoided any long-term damage. Before the injury, Daniels was averaging 19.27 fantasy points per game with 1,031 passing yards and 211 rushing yards through five starts. His dual-threat ability makes him an instant QB1 option when healthy, but he'll be without top target Terry McLaurin who re-injured his quad. The Seahawks defense has been vulnerable to mobile quarterbacks this season, setting up a solid bounce-back spot for the Commanders' first-year starter.

Lamar Jackson (QB - Baltimore Ravens)

Jackson was removed from the injury report and will start Thursday night against Cincinnati after missing three games with a hamstring injury. The Ravens desperately need their franchise quarterback back as they've gone 0-3 without him and sit at 2-5 overall. Before the injury, Jackson was having a spectacular start to 2025 with a 130.5 passer rating that led the NFL through four games. He threw 10 touchdowns against just one interception while adding 166 rushing yards and another score on the ground. The Ravens averaged 32.7 points per game with Jackson under center compared to their struggles without him. Thursday's divisional matchup against Cincinnati provides an excellent opportunity for Jackson to remind fantasy managers why he's an elite QB1 option when healthy.

J.J. McCarthy (QB - Minnesota Vikings)

McCarthy is expected to return as Minnesota's starter Sunday at Detroit after missing five games with a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 2. The second-year quarterback gets his opportunity with Carson Wentz now on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. McCarthy struggled in his limited action before the injury, completing just 58.5% of his passes with more interceptions (3) than touchdowns (2) while taking nine sacks. His career availability has been concerning, missing 23 of 25 possible games between injuries in 2024 and 2025. The Vikings face a tough spot on the road against a division rival, and with undrafted rookie Max Brosmer as the only backup, Minnesota needs McCarthy to stay healthy. Fantasy managers should view him as a desperation play at best until he proves he can handle NFL defenses consistently.

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