New Orleans Saints DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

New Orleans Saints wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) were not seen at Wednesday's practice, according to Ross Jackson of the Locked On Network. Olave suffered his second concussion of the season last weekend after sustaining a hard hit. The Ohio State product was carted off the field and currently remains in the league's concussion protocol. Wilson left last weekend's game early with a shoulder injury but was eventually able to return to the field. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their progress throughout the week, as they both may be fighting an uphill battle to suit up this weekend to face the Atlanta Falcons. With both wideouts sidelined, fantasy managers should expect rookie Mason Tipton to serve as the top wideout for the time being.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) is progressing well in his recovery from a knee injury, but he is not yet ready to return to practice, according to Cowboys writer Nick Harris. The 31-year-old has not played since Week 4, and it does not sound like he's close to playing in the Week 10 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Cooks hauled in nine passes for 91 yards and a touchdown in four games to begin the season this year, and he looks to be beyond his prime. Additionally, with Dak Prescott (hamstring) expected to miss multiple weeks and potentially go on IR, Cooks' upside would be limited with Cooper Rush under center even if he did return soon. The Cowboys also traded for former Panthers wideout Jonathan Mingo, so Cooks could have limited playing time as Dallas potentially sets its sights on the future. Fantasy managers with empty IR spots can consider stashing him, but it seems unlikely that he will become a key fantasy contributor down the stretch, especially while working his way back from a significant injury.

New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi said that "Derek Carr is going to be the quarterback this Sunday as far as I'm concerned." Carr returned in the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Carolina Panthers after missing three games with an oblique injury. The 33-year-old veteran went 18-for-31 for 236 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions while mostly utilizing running back Alvin Kamara and tight end Taysom Hill to move the ball with top wideout Chris Olave (concussion) out for most of the game. It shouldn't come as a big surprise that the Saints are sticking with Carr after the firing of head coach Dennis Allen, as the alternative is rookie Spencer Rattler, who was very shaky in place of the injured Carr. He'll be firmly in QB2 territory in fantasy in Week 10 against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons, especially if Olave isn't cleared to play.

New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau had just one catch in Week 9 but it was good for a 17-yard touchdown. His only other target was another shot in the end zone that came in too low for Moreau to secure. Moreau's effort on his score in the fourth quarter was impressive. The 250-lb tight end turned in stride and made a leaping catch while twisting in midair then kept his feet and legs in bounds as he fell to the ground near the side of the end zone. When Moreau rose from the turf he held the ball aloft with both hands, demonstrating he never lost possession despite his defender's best efforts to pull it loose as they collided. The grab was Moreau's third score of the year but just his twelfth reception overall. Primarily used as an extra blocker, Moreau shouldn't be depended on in fantasy in Week 10 when the Saints face the Atlanta Falcons.

Jack of all trades Taysom Hill was again involved as a rusher, receiver, and passer in the Saints' 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. In Week 9, Hill gained 19 yards and scored a touchdown on five carries, caught four of his five targets for 41 yards, and threw one pass attempt that fell incomplete. The touchdown was his third of the season and his 60 scrimmage yards represented a new season-high. Five of his touches resulted in first-down conversions. The Saints came into the game with an offense depleted by injury and then lost Chris Olave (concussion) in the first quarter, setting Hill up for increased usage. That trend will likely hold for the Saints' upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as New Orleans will still be short on skill players. Kendre Miller (hamstring) and Bub Means (ankle) were both placed on injured reserve earlier this week and Olave's concussion is his second in the last four weeks, leaving his status for Week 10 in doubt.