Brian Robinson Sits Sunday; Watson Unlikely to Start

Friday's first official designations are in. Here's what actually changes your Week 9 lineup.

1. Brian Robinson Jr. is out Sunday against Cincinnati. The Falcons ruled him out with a hamstring injury on Friday's game-status report after he was limited Wednesday through Friday and briefly listed as questionable (Falcons.com, CBS Sports, NBC Sports). Sit Robinson. Bijan Robinson stays locked in as the workhorse. Khalil Herbert is the expected complementary back behind Bijan — a deep-league handcuff / stash, not a must-add in most 12-team formats (DraftSharks, CBS Sports). Rookie WR Zachariah Branch (hamstring) is also out; that's a depth / special-teams note, not a fantasy lineup mover.

2. Deshaun Watson is unlikely to start vs. New Orleans. Watson returned to the field for Friday's practice but remains in the concussion protocol and still needs to clear Saturday to have a chance. Ian Rapoport says he's unlikely to start Sunday; if he can't go, Shedeur Sanders is next in line (NBC Sports / PFT, NBC Sports fantasy, citing Ian Rapoport). Sit Watson. Sanders is a deep-league / superflex dart, not a 1QB must-stream — wait for the official designation before you lock anyone tied to Cleveland's pass game.

Still waiting on Friday tags: Most Sunday teams haven't posted final designations yet. From Thursday's reports (already covered): Mike Evans remains likely to sit vs. the Raiders per GM John Lynch — plan a replacement (49ers Webzone). CMC was limited Thursday (Friday stamp still pending as of this write-up). Garrett Wilson was ruled out Friday with a concussion (FOX Sports). Patriots stars A.J. Brown, TreVeyon Henderson, and Hunter Henry were DNPs again Thursday (Henry was present for Friday media access — final tags pending); Saquon returned limited Thursday. Check those stamps before lock.