The Loop Fantasy Football Report Week 9: Is there life after Derrick Henry? – TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press

Some injuries are worse than others. For fantasy football mavens like The Loop who have depended on the wondrous services of Derrick Henry, his broken foot has brought on the armageddon of absences.

Sure, Aaron Rodgers testing positive for COVID is a big deal. But the possibly season-ending injury to the NFLs No. 1 running back not only decapitated the Tennessee Titans offense, it forced us to postpone our annual review of the top first-half players, at least until next week. But it is now time to start scrambling for a replacement running back who can, at least partially, fill Henrys big shoes.

There are not a lot of great options on the waiver wires. But we begin with the ancient one that everyone was talking about the past couple of days:

Adrian Peterson (Titans) Youve probably heard of him. The Artist Formerly Known as All Day was signed by Tennessee and will get one last chance in Nashville to make a Super Bowl run to cap a hall of fame career. Whats left in the tank? Who knows? But the Peterson we saw last season in Detroit would fit quite nicely in the Tennessee offense. Certainly worth a gamble.

Jeremy McNichols (Titans) Hes the leading incumbent in the Tennessee backfield who has been almost entirely a pass catcher. Can he pivot into, say, a goal-line running role? Were not going to pretend we know for sure. Tennessee Titans running back Jeremy McNichols (28) runs to the outside during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)

Mark Ingram (Saints) After appearing nearly washed-up in Houston, Ingram was dealt back to New Orleans, where he had some of the best times of his career paired up with Alvin Kamara. He would strictly be a goal-line option for fantasy mavens. New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (14) leads a stadium chant before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)

Derrick Gore (Chiefs) He appeared out of nowhere Monday night against the Giants to offer a significant running option to the K.C. offense. Looked pretty good doing it. But Clyde Edwards-Helaire is coming back soon, so The Gore Not to Be Mistaken As Frank has a very limited window to prove his worth. Kansas City Chiefs running back Derrick Gore runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Jordan Howard (Eagles) The former Philly standout was gone and forgotten. Then he scored two touchdowns in his return to the Eagles last week. While that seems much more a coincidence or fluke than a career resurrection, hes certainly worth a flyer for those who are especially runner deficient. Philadelphia Eagles running back Jordan Howard (24) runs against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

David Johnson (Texans) Fantasy historians will remember when Johnson was one of the top RBs in the game. Ancient history. But with Mark Ingram sent back to New Orleans, Johnson could wind up the unchallenged No. 1 in Houston. Unless you count Phillip Lindsay, so nevermind

SITTING STARSThe Vikings are probably going to need to throw a lot to beat Baltimore in their must-win game Sunday, so Dalvin Cooks numbers could take a hit. Taking a much bigger hit will be Tennessee QB Ryan Tannehill without Derrick Henry. Say goodbye to those easy TD runs after fakes to King Henry. This week, Rams defense will limit all Titans numbers, even A.J. Browns. San Fran RB Elijah Mitchell is banged up and will not be a great start vs. Arizona. Jets RB Michael Carter will come back to earth vs. the Colts, along with most of the Jets. Atlanta QB Matt Ryan will have fewer options against New Orleans with all the Falcons missing stars. Philly WR Devonta Smith wont begin any comeback against the Chargers. And were guessing the Packers keep Tyreek Hill in check in their Super Bowl I rematch with the Chiefs. Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson (6) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

MATCHUP GAMEChargers QB Justin Herbert has struggled lately, but were thinking he rebounds vs. Philly. Raiders QB Derek Carr has been under-the-radar-great this season, and hell continue to shine against the Giants. Want a longshot running back pick? Try Green Bays A.J. Dillon against the Chiefs. If Dallas Michael Gallup returns, you should start him against Denver. Buffalos Cole Beasley will continue to be a poor mans Cooper Kupp against the Jacksonville defense. Miami rookie WR Jaylen Waddle will have a big day against Houston. .. And if you want a longshot to have a big day out of the blue, try Houston RB Phillip Lindsay against the Miami. Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/John McCoy)

INJURY WATCHJameis Winstons comeback lasted eight weeks. Hes done for the year after blowing out his knee. But New Orleans will likely split the QB duties between Trevor Siemian and Taysom Hill, at least in the short term. Should you consider starting Green Bay QB Jordan Love when he fills in for Aaron Rodgers? Uh, no. Kyler Murray is said to be day to day, but he will still be worth starting at QB for Arizona. Atlanta WR Calvin Ridley is stepping aside for a personal matter, which proved damaging for the Matt Ryan-led Falcons offense and will continue to. Jaguars RB James Robinson could be sidelined, with Carlos Hyde stepping up for a week or two . Is this the week that Christian McCaffrey or Saquon Barkley return? We now know that New Orleans WR Michael Thomas will not be returning this season. Players listed as questionable include Dallas QB Dak Prescott, Vegas RB Josh Jacobs, 49ers RB Elijah Mitchell, Bears RB Damien Williams, Niners WR Deebo Samuel, Jets WR Corey Davis, Titans WR Julio Jones, Eagles WR Jalen Reagor and Raiders TE Darren Waller. New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) is carted off the field after being injured from a horse collar tackle in the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)

THE DEEPEST SLEEPERIn a week with such prominent tight ends on bye like Rob Gronkowski and T.J. Hockenson, you should take a long look at Pittsburghs Pat Freiermuth, a rookie out of Penn State. He is fast becoming a favorite of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Freiermuth has been targeted seven times in each of the past two games, and he has two touchdowns in the past five weeks, including his acrobatic game-winner last Sunday in Cleveland. He could be a Week 9 winner for you with his Monday night matchup against Chicago. Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) catches a pass for a touchdown while being defended by Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. (33) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)

THE THURSDAY PICKJets at Colts (-10):Pick: Colts by 7 Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) throws a pass for an interception as hes tackled by Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Bud Dupree (48) in the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. The Tennessee Titans scored a touchdown on the interception. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

BREAKING NEWSWell be updating our column, based on the latest injuries and innuendo, right up until Sundays kickoff. Go to TwinCities.com/theloop.

You can hear Kevin Cusick on Wednesdays on Bob Sanseveres BS Show podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on Twitter @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.

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The Loop Fantasy Football Report Week 9: Is there life after Derrick Henry? - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press