NFL Week 9: Trey Benson, Troy Franklin, Tyrone Tracy Jr. status check — plus this week’s primetime slate and byes

Bassyonni

ago 3 hours

NFL Week 9

With the calendar flipping to Week 9, three young playmakers are in the headlines for very different reasons: one inching toward a post-IR return, one surging into a featured role, and one grabbing a larger workload after a teammate’s injury. Here’s the latest on Trey Benson, Troy Franklin, and Tyrone Tracy Jr., along with the marquee games and bye weeks on tap.

Trey Benson (Cardinals) — IR window opening, timetable still week to week

Rookie RB Trey Benson remains on injured reserve following early-October meniscus surgery. The initial guidance pointed to roughly 4–6 weeks out, which places his earliest realistic return in the Week 10–11 range depending on how his acceleration and change-of-direction progress during reconditioning. The typical sequence here: straight-line running → cutting → full-speed positional drills → contact clearance. Until the team designates him to return and he stacks full practices without next-day swelling, fantasy and betting implications remain day to day.

What it means: Arizona has ridden a committee in his absence. Even if Benson is activated soon, expect a ramp-up rather than 20+ touches immediately.

Troy Franklin (Broncos) — usage trend is real

WR Troy Franklin has quietly moved from rotational rookie to near-every-down contributor, holding ~60–65% snap share over the past month and earning a growing slice of the downfield targets. The on-field chemistry with his quarterback has shown up in explosive plays and red-zone designs, and his route tree is expanding beyond pure verticals into digs, crossers and deep outs. Denver has leaned on tempo and play-action shots; Franklin’s speed stresses single-high structures and opens intermediate space for teammates when defenses shade his side.

What it means: He’s past the “fluke spike” phase. Expect steady routes and 5–8 targets in competitive scripts, with a volatile but enticing ceiling against man-heavy opponents.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. (Giants) — back to RB1 after Skattebo’s injury

With teammate Cam Skattebo undergoing surgery for a dislocated ankle, Tyrone Tracy Jr. steps back into the lead-back role he held earlier in the season. He handled the bulk of early-down work in the second half on Sunday and mixed in as a checkdown outlet. Tracy’s profile—receiver background, burst through arm tackles—fits the staff’s quick-game approach behind an offensive line still shuffling pieces.

What it means: Expect Tracy to lead the committee, with veteran help spelling him on passing downs or short yardage as needed. If game script stays neutral, 15+ touches are in play.

Week 9 spotlight: primetime games & byes

Primetime headline

Thursday (Oct. 30, 8:15 p.m. ET): Ravens at Dolphins — speed on speed, with Baltimore’s QB run threat testing Miami’s pursuit angles.
Sunday Night (Nov. 2, 8:20 p.m. ET): A playoff-shaping tilt (flex windows can tweak exact opponents/slots—check gameday listings).
Monday Night (Nov. 3, 8:15 p.m. ET): Another AFC clash with seeding implications.

Early Sunday windows to circle (Nov. 2):

Bears at Bengals — defensive front vs. young QB under fire.
Panthers at Packers — rookie skill talent against a disciplined secondary.
Broncos at Texans — Franklin vs. a press-man unit that dares vertical shots.
Falcons at Patriots — ball-control chess match.

Late Sunday window: heavyweight NFC/AFC showdowns that could swing tiebreakers (exact pairings and kick times per local listings).

Week 9 byes: Browns, Buccaneers, Eagles, Jets.

What to watch for as inactives roll in

Arizona backfield designations: any “designated to return” notice for Benson will trigger a 21-day practice window—your cue to track practice participation closely.
Denver receiver rotations: if Franklin’s snap share holds above 60% with continued first-read targets on play-action, his weekly floor rises.
Giants RB usage: early series will reveal whether Tracy keeps goal-line snaps or if the staff leans heavier personnel with a change-of-pace complement.

Quick fantasy lens

Trey Benson: stash through Week 9; activation would make him an immediate bench hold with upside.
Troy Franklin: viable WR3/FLEX with boom potential; ascending role keeps him starter-worthy.
Tyrone Tracy Jr.: priority waiver add and low-end RB2 on volume, with passing-game usage propping the floor.

Week 9 brings real movement for three rising names—Benson nearing a return window, Franklin cementing a featured role, and Tracy inheriting one. Layer those notes onto a primetime slate headlined by Ravens–Dolphins and a four-team bye, and you’ve got a pivotal week for both standings and lineups.