Welcome to your essential pre-game guide for Week 9 of the NFL season. Every Sunday, the official inactive list shapes game plans, fantasy football matchups, and betting lines. This week delivered significant news, from a Super Bowl MVP quarterback finding a new team to a superstar receiver getting a strategic week off.
Here’s the final breakdown of the most important Week 9 status updates.
Joe Flacco Status: Signs with Browns Practice Squad
The most talked-about status update of the week didn’t come from an injury report but from the transaction wire. Veteran QB and former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco signed with the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad. While he was not on a team and therefore not on the Week 9 inactive list, his return to the NFL is a major development.
Following the season-ending shoulder injury to Deshaun Watson, the Browns needed an experienced quarterback. While Dorian Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker are on the roster, Flacco provides a playoff-tested veteran presence and a powerful arm. His current status is “practice squad,” but he is expected to be elevated to the active roster soon to provide critical depth for Cleveland’s playoff push.
Cooper Kupp Inactive for Week 9 Bye
For those searching for Cooper Kupp‘s Week 9 status, he was indeed inactive, but for the best reason: the Los Angeles Rams were on their bye week.
After returning from a hamstring injury that cost him the first four games, Kupp has been ramping back up to his elite form. The bye week provided a crucial rest period for him and other injured Rams stars like QB Matthew Stafford (thumb) and RB Kyren Williams (ankle). While he didn’t play, his status is a positive one, as he now has extra time to heal before the second half of the season.
Official Week 9 Inactives: Key Injuries Around the NFL
Beyond the major headlines for Flacco and Kupp, several other key players were officially ruled out for their Week 9 contests.
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Justin Fields (QB, Chicago Bears): Fields was officially INACTIVE for Week 9 as he continues his recovery from a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand. Rookie Tyson Bagent started in his place as the Bears exercised caution with their franchise quarterback.
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Kyler Murray (QB, Arizona Cardinals): While Murray was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, he was ultimately ruled INACTIVE against the Browns. Rookie Clayton Tune started, but all signs point to Murray making his highly anticipated 2023 season debut in Week 10.
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Drake London (WR, Atlanta Falcons): The Falcons’ top wide receiver was INACTIVE due to a groin injury. His absence was a significant loss for Atlanta’s passing game on Sunday.
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De’Von Achane (RB, Miami Dolphins): The explosive rookie running back remained on Injured Reserve and was not activated for the Dolphins’ game in Germany. While his return is approaching, Week 9 was too soon.
These Week 9 inactive decisions have already sent ripples across the league. Stay tuned as we track all the latest injury news and status updates heading into Week 10.
