The most valuable player in fantasy football will miss a significant period of time, as Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry will have foot surgery that will keep him off the field until further notice.
It's a major bummer for the player and the franchise, as his brilliance has landed him in the conversation for the NFL's Most Valuable Player, a spot usually earmarked for top quarterbacks on successful teams.
As far as fantasy is concerned, there is no easy way to replace Henry. Through eight weeks, he has been over 40 points better than the next-best running back in fantasy this season, a gargantuan gap that is just one way to describe his impact.
It's sort of unprecedented as well, as Henry's durability has been a hallmark of his dominance. For those asking what the Titans' offense looks like without Henry ... who knows? Henry has missed just two games in his career because of injury and has handled over 95% of the running back rushing attempts for his team this season.
It took just hours for the Titans to make a move at running back, as they added veteran Adrian Peterson to their practice squad, with the expectation that he'll be elevated to their active roster in short order. In recent seasons, I've been skeptical of consistent fantasy value for Peterson because he has minimal passing game impact. He posted just 12 catches in 16 games last season while splitting duties in Detroit.
With that being said, if there were ever a team with which his between-the-tackles prowess could shine through, Tennessee is it. Peterson not only still has enough acceleration to get to the second level but plenty of ability to handle a significant workload, as he had five games last season with at least 15 touches. We'll continue to follow along for any updates or news surrounding the Henry situation, with more insight below.
It's the Week 9 ESPN Fantasy waiver wire.
Note: All players on this column are available in over 50% of leagues on ESPN.com.
Week 9 byes: Buccaneers, Lions, Seahawks, Washington Football Team
Adrian Peterson, RB, Tennessee Titans (0.1%): Could this be an example of a player signing that is much bigger in name than impact? It sure could. There are enough variables in play to note that we do not know with certainty how Peterson will fit into Tennessee and just how much it will rely upon the now 36-year-old back. However, if a role exists for Peterson that includes 12 to 15 carries per game behind a stout offensive line in a potent offense, I do believe there's enough value to take a look. We're at the point of the season where most waiver-wire claims come with some baked in risk, and Peterson is part of that group. But there's a possible floor here that makes him worthwhile enough to consider in any league.
Boston Scott, RB, Philadelphia Eagles (4.5%): With Miles Sanders on injured reserve, we knew the Eagles would have to adjust their backfield somehow. We just didn't realize it would involve Kenneth Gainwell hardly playing until garbage time and both Boston Scott and Jordan Howard finding the end zone twice. Scott looked to me like the best runner for Philly on Sunday, and while Howard could steal goal-line work, I do believe Scott is the more complete player. So I'm prioritizing Scott, while noting that the game script in Week 8 was extremely favorable. But he's a must-add.
Jeremy McNichols, RB, Tennessee Titans (1.9%): I don't want to totally overlook the role that McNichols could play in this Titans' offense, as it's possible Tennessee adjusts its approach a bit and leans a little less run heavy. McNichols figures to get a few more carries and should stay busy in the passing game -- he's had 21 catches through the team's first eight games. I'm not discounting anything from this backfield situation, so I do believe McNichols is worth an add for the chance he plays a large role.
Carlos Hyde, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars (6.7%): James Robinson left the Jaguars' Week 8 game and is dealing with a bruised heel, though the timetable for a return was uncertain. Hyde -- a trusted back of head coach Urban Meyer -- is the next man up and volume should be in his favor if Robinson is out in Week 9. While Hyde is not an explosive runner at this stage of his career, he's capable as a pass-catcher, can finish at the goal line and can make an impact with 15 or so touches. Another must-add.
Taysom Hill, QB, New Orleans Saints (.9%): After Jameis Winston suffered a significant knee injury in Week 8, the Saints will have to turn to a new starting quarterback, and Hill is in line to start as soon as he returns from a concussion. While we do not know if that will be in Week 9, we do know that when he was a starter last year, he was a strong option for your fantasy team. Hill is an unrefined passer but did enough through the air (in three of his four starts, he threw for over 230 yards) to complement his excellent rushing strength, as he had four rushing touchdowns and averaged over 52 rushing yards per game during that same stretch. He's a good option as a bye week fill-in and has the upside to be a near weekly starter.
Jamal Agnew, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (1.6%): When the Jaguars lost DJ Chark Jr. because of injury, it was unclear how the team would account for his absence. One surprising development has been the emergence of slot option Jamal Agnew, whose target share has ballooned of late. He has six, seven and now 12 targets over his past three games, including his first receiving touchdown of the season in Week 8. The volume should stay steady, as Jacksonville is playing from behind almost perpetually. He's an add for deeper leagues.
Justin Fields, QB, Chicago Bears (18.0%): Fields had his best effort of the season in Week 8, showing strides as a thrower with better decision-making and the arm strength we all knew was a top trait of his. But most importantly -- for fantasy purposes -- Field was unleashed as a runner, scampering for 103 yards and a magnificent touchdown on 10 carries. I'm hopeful that this is a sign of things to come from the Bears' offense, as Fields has such unique physical skills that he can become a significant force if allowed to run frequently. We've seen how much it raises the floor for a quarterback in fantasy, and I'd be open to adding Fields if there's room for a stash quarterback in the hopes that the Bears continue to turn to Fields frequently as a runner.
Darnell Mooney, WR, Chicago Bears (48.6%): We saw the best version of the Bears' passing offense that we've seen in any game this season, even if Justin Fields threw for just 175 yards. He looked to be in more rhythm and clearly has a favorite target in Mooney, who now has at least five targets in seven of eight games this season and double-digit fantasy points in half of his games. He's not a lineup lock yet, but if Fields continues to improve, Mooney should be the beneficiary of a steady target share and downfield upside.
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers (6.2%): The Steelers have found a good one in Freiermuth, as their second-round draft pick has shown that he can be a real factor in the red zone. With Eric Ebron out in Week 8, Freiermuth found the end zone and picked up four catches for 44 yards. That comes on the heels of a pre-bye seven-catch effort. He has been good enough to earn more looks and more playing time in this offense.