New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (hip) logged a DNP to start the week followed by a pair of limited practices on Thursday and Friday. He will carry a questionable tag going into Week 9's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The seldom-used wideout saw an uptick in usage in Weeks 6 and 7 as injuries to Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) left New Orleans short on experienced pass catchers. He was the top receiver in Week 7, catching six of seven targets for 57 yards and a touchdown. However, he picked up a hip injury that kept him out of Week 8 entirely. Even if he is active on Sunday he will be competing for targets against Mason Tipton and recent signee Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

A week after leading his team in targets, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Mason Tipton drew just two in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers and finished the game with two catches for 14 yards. With fellow rookie Bub Means (ankle) declared out and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (hip) tagged as questionable for Week 9, Tipton is suddenly next in line behind Chris Olave at wide receiver. Even with the dramatic jump up the depth chart, Tipton will be hard to trust against the lowly Carolina Panthers. The Saints' Week 1 blowout of their division rival featured the use of their running backs and tight ends, positions that the Panthers have continued to struggle against mightily. A similar game plan this time around would leave Tipton short on usage. He can be left on the wire in 12-team leagues in favor of players with more certain roles.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave had his first 100-yard game of the season in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. In Week 9, Olave has a weaker opponent in the Carolina Panthers and a better quarterback as Derek Carr is set to return to the field for the first time since injuring his oblique in Week 5. Injuries to Rashid Shaheed (knee) and Bub Means (ankle) have thinned out the wide receiver room so Olave will have less competition for targets. In the Saints' Week 1 blowout of the Panthers, Olave was targeted just twice and caught both for a disappointing 11 yards. Expectations can be set closer to last week's performance rather than the season debut but his production may still be hampered if New Orleans take advantage of Carolina's porous run defense. Olave looks like a mid-range WR2 in Week 9.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand/ribs) was limited in practice all week, nursing a fracture in both his hand and a rib. Kamara carries no injury designation going into Week 9's game against the Carolina Panthers, however. In Week 1, Kamara had a total of 20 touches for 110 scrimmage yards and a touchdown and is in line for another big game on Sunday. Jamaal Williams (groin) is doubtful and Kendre Miller (hamstring) is already listed as out, making Kamara the lone healthy running back on the Saints' active roster. Already a key component of New Orleans' offense, Kamara will see an even higher snap share than usual with Taysom Hill seeing increased run as well. Carolina has given up more touchdowns (15) to opposing running backs than any other team. Kamara is as close as you can get to a lock for RB1 status.

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (groin) is officially listed as doubtful for the team's Week 9 road tilt against the Carolina Panthers. Williams logged a week of limited practice sessions due to a groin injury he picked up, and his status this Sunday is not looking good. With teammate Kendre Miller (hamstring) ruled out for the contest, running back Alvin Kamara could be the only show in town in the Saints' backfield when they line up against their division rivals. Even if Williams suits up, he won't be a recommended fantasy play, as he's no more than a change-of-pace option behind Kamara. Expect hybrid offensive weapon Taysom Hill to chip in as well, especially if the 29-year-old is inactive.