Is Gus Edwards Playing In Week 9? Should I Start Kenyan Drake in Fantasy Football?

On a short week of recovery, Gus Edwards injured his hamstring in Baltimore's game last Thursday. Edwards left the Ravens' Week 8 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after carrying the ball 11 times for 65 yards.

The 27-year-old running back has not participated in practice this week and is listed as doubtful for Week 9. The Baltimore Ravens travel to the New Orleans Saints for Monday Night Football, offering Edwards an extra day to heal.

Is Gus Edwards playing in Week 9? Should I pick up and start Kenyan Drake in fantasy football?

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Is Gus Edwards Playing In Week 9?

Edwards has carried the ball 27 times out of 39 snaps played this year. The former Miami Hurricane and Rutgers Scarlet Knight missed all of 2021 and the first six weeks of this season with a severe knee injury.

Gus Bus scored two touchdowns in his season debut in Week 7 and has led the Ravens in rushing yards in both weeks he has been healthy. Edwards' heavy usage has already led to injury issues. If he were to suit up on Monday night, his usage would be sporadic at best.

Edwards is very unlikely to play in Week 9. The Ravens have a bye next week for the RB to fully recover. Assuming Edwards' doubtful label is a telltale sign of his absence, Kenyan Drake will be the feature back for Baltimore against the Saints. Drake would be a viable replacement for Edwards if he is at your disposal on your bench or on the waivers.

Should I Pickup and Start Kenyan Drake For Fantasy Football?

Kenyan Drake played in 58% of the Ravens' offensive snaps last Thursday against Tampa Bay. The seventh-year running back from Alabama caught all four of his targets, including a five-yard touchdown to tie the game in the second quarter. Drake totaled 62 rushing yards with seven carries, an efficient 8.9 YPC.

In Week 6 against the Giants, Drake ran for an impressive 119 rushing yards and a touchdown off a mere 10 rushes. Drake has flashed his past in his age-28 season.

With no J.K. Dobbins or Gus Edwards, Drake is a great fantasy option in Week 9. Six teams are on byes this week, increasing the odds of Drake being in your lineup.

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