Each week of the NFL never ceases to amaze. Some of it is good, and some of it is not as pleasant but there is a reason why we keep coming back each week. Our NFL injury update for Week 8 features Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and Bijan Robinson among others.  As news breaks, be sure to update your Week 8 fantasy football rankings and NFL projections either way. This information can also help to focus on important Week 8 start/sit lineup decisions and fantasy football advice surrounding some injured players. The first step though is the NFL injury report as you set Week 8 fantasy football lineups. 

 

Fantasy Football Injury Report

Week 8 NFL Injury Report for Quarterbacks

Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (Knee)

While, at the moment it is nothing, this could very quickly turn into something. Jalen Hurts played the second half wearing a knee brace. Hurts looked fine from a mobility standpoint and had three runs, and nothing suggested otherwise from his play or comments. With that being said, it is something to be aware of ahead of a matchup against Washington and their tough defensive line. Shifting to Marcus Mariota under center would not be ideal, but with Hurts not on the latest Injury Report, Philadelphia won’t have to worry about that.

Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns (Head/Shoulder)

UPDATE 10/27: While there were not any issues with Watson’s MRI, swelling is still preventing him from returning to action. This week, we will see P.J. Walker back under center for Cleveland as Watson evidently needs at least one more week of rest. 

Deshaun Watson was back on Sunday after a two-game absence and then he was gone again. Watson left after taking a hard hit, and was cleared for a concussion, but his shoulder was, once again, an issue. 

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (Knee)

After playing last week, it shouldn’t be all that concerning to see Trevor Lawrence limited in practice so far this week. At this point, the thought process is that it is simply load management, and I wouldn’t expect there to be any issues or restrictions heading into Sunday’s matchup against Pittsburgh. 

Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (Concussion)

After developing concussion symptoms on the flight home after Monday night’s upset loss to Minnesota, things are not looking too good for Brock Purdy on Sunday. It is never good when a player is a late addition to the Injury Report with a concussion, and while Purdy was a limited participant in practice on Thursday, it doesn’t look like he is ready for contact. Unless he makes another crazy stride, I would prepare for Sam Darnold under center on Sunday. 

Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders (Back)

I’m not sure how much he will be capable of, but the likely return of Jimmy Garoppolo on Monday could at least turn the Raiders’ offense in the right direction. While Garoppolo is not going to be a true fantasy asset, he is a solid signal caller who will be better for Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs, and company. After a return to practice on a limited basis on Thursday, it does appear that he will be back on the field this week. 

Daniel Jones, New York Giants (Neck)

Despite continuing to practice on a limited basis, Daniel Jones and his neck still do not appear to be ready for contact. That means we will have another week of Tyrod Taylor under center for the Giants, with this week it coming against a tough Jets’ defense. 

Justin Fields, Chicago Bears (Thumb)

It is not surprising that Justin Fields is still not back to practice as Tyson Bagent will be back at quarterback this week for the Bears after defeating the Raiders in his debut. With that being said, this is still a fantasy situation that I have limited, at best, confidence in. 

Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans (Ankle)

Not like Ryan Tannehill was performing at an elite level, but with the veteran not practicing this week, and likely out, the Titans’ quarterback situation is really going to be a mess. The expectation is that both Will Levis and Malik Willis are going to see time, but the latter should see more of the work. Either way, this is a situation best avoided. 

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (Knee)

It was notable to see Kyler Murray removed from the Injury Report, but he is still on the PUP list and likely a week away from making his return. Until then, Joshua Dobbs remains under center as I can’t imagine Arizona doing anything rash with Murray. However, it is getting closer to Murray’s return but I would be surprised if it came in Week 8. 

 

Week 8 NFL Injury Report for Running Backs

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants (Elbow)

The ankle for Saquon Barkley is fine, but it is now the elbow we have to worry about. Despite injuring it early in the game which required him to wear a sleeve, it didn’t impact his performance or status. Barkley had another large workload with 21 carries for 77 yards while also catching three passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Unless we hear otherwise, the assumption is that Barkley will be on the field again in Week 8. This is about managing Barkley’s workload during practice, so there shouldn’t any concerns about his limited status on Thursday.

Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons (Illness)

UPDATE 10/27: With the rookie not the Injury Report heading into Week 8, we should see more of what is expected from Robinson this week. 

To say that it was a weird situation with Bijan Robinson this week would be an understatement. Despite him being active on Sunday and not being mentioned on the Injury Report, we didn’t see Robinson at all in the first half. Ultimately, he had just one carry for three yards as he apparently wasn’t feeling well. It remains to be seen if there is a larger story in play or just what we are seeing on the surface. Either way, Robinson was a disappointment, to say the least with Tyler Allgeier stepping up. 

Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers (Ankle)

Seeing Austin Ekeler limp a little last week was concerning, but after a full practice on Wednesday, we don’t have anything to worry about ahead of a good matchup against Chicago. 

Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks (Calf)

With Kenneth Walker yet to practice this week, things are beginning to get concerning regarding his status for Sunday. Prior to this week, it didn’t appear to be an issue for Walker but unless something changes with his status over the next day or two, we have to prepare a contingency plan. The good news for those who handcuffed though, is that Zach Charbonnet is back to being a full participant in practice after dealing with a hamstring injury. 

Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers (Hamstring)

After having 17 touches for 71 yards in his return last week, Aaron Jones is on track to build on that workload this week. Green Bay is still managing his workload in practice, but things are trending in the right direction. 

Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins (Ankle)

With Raheem Mostert back in practice on a limited basis Thursday, there doesn’t appear to be anything worry about with his ankle injury. Unless something changes, Mostert should be back in his normal role this week. 

Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (Illness)

Alvin Kamara was back in practice without issue on Thursday after missing Wednesday’s practice with an illness. Averaging 26 touches per game since returning from his suspension, there shouldn’t be any questions about the hierarchy in the Saints’ backfield. 

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears (Concussion)

After missing two games with a concussion, Roschon Johnson has been cleared and is set to make his return to action this week against the Chargers. In limited work, 25 carries, Johnson has had success averaging 4.9 yards per carry. With Kahlil Herbert still on Injured Reserve, it will be interesting to see what Johnson does this week and how the work will be divided with D’Onta Forman, but the former should have the slight edge. 

David Montgomery, Detroit Lions (Ribs)

While the timeline is off, and could be frustrating, with the Lions not playing until Monday, I would prepare to be without David Montgomery for another week. As of Thursday, he has not returned to practice and it is shaping up to be another Jahmyr Gibbs week. 

Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns (Ankle)

UPDATE 10/27: With Ford yet to practice this week while Hunt is on the field as a full participant, it is clear where things are heading for Week 8. 

Before exiting with an ankle injury, it was another strong day for Jerome Ford as he gained 74 yards on 11 carries while catching two passes for 20 yards. Ford was spotted in a boot after the game so there has to be some level of concern here. Kareem Hunt took on a larger role, with support from Pierre Strong, on Sunday. If Ford is forced to miss any time, Hunt turns into a valuable option. 

Jerick McKinnon, Kansas City Chiefs (Groin)

It is always going to be concerning when a player practices on Wednesday and then doesn’t on Thursday. That is the case for change of pace back Jerick McKinnon as it bares watching heading into the weekend. Ultimately, the biggest variable here is to see how much more work Isaiah Pacheco could potentially see. 

Zack Moss, Indianapolis Colts (Elbow)

While Zack Moss has taken a back seat to Jonathan Taylor after his return, it is still a good thing that he appears to be on track to taking the field on Sunday. 

 

Week 8 NFL Injury Report for Wide Receivers

Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (Back)

UPDATE 10/27: He has been limited in practice so far this week, but nothing is suggesting, at this point, that he won’t be ready for Sunday. 

Jaylen Waddle was able to return to action without issue after exiting in the second quarter with a back injury. The good news is that it ended up not being anything to worry about as Waddle finished with six catches for 63 yards and no apparent issues. 

Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (Hip)

Unless something changes in the other direction, there is nothing to worry about regarding Tyreek Hill missing practice on Wednesday. Hill returned on a limited basis on Thursday, and all signs are pointing to him being fine for Sunday. 

Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (Knee)

This will be an interesting situation to watch as Christian Watson injured his knee on the second to last play of the game. He had surgery on the knee in June and there is an injury history with this leg in general so we will have to watch the practice reports from this week. Romeo Doubs stands to be the largest beneficiary from a volume standpoint. Jayden Reed is also a player to watch, and it is a good sign that he returned on Sunday after a quick absence due to a shin injury. But with a full practice on Wednesday, Watson should be good to go. 

Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks (Hamstring)

While Tyler Lockett played last week (four catches for 38 yards) without practicing, it is concerning that he is still not back to practice. The hamstring hasn’t made him miss a game yet, but there has to be some trepidation here. 

DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks (Hip)

While DK Metcalf has, and still is, dealing a rib injury for the better part of the season, it hasn’t restricted him from taking the field this season. However, it was the hip injury suffered last week that kept him out this week. In his absence, Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a strong game and should continue to have an emerging role. 

Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers (Shoulder)

While he is getting some work in at practice, Deebo Samuel has already been ruled out of action for Sunday. The good news is that things are trending in the right direction for a return after San Francisco’s bye, but for now it’s all about Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle in the passing game. 

Curtis Samuel, Washington Commanders (Foot)

Curtis Samuel had his best game of the season last week with seven catches for 51 yards to go along with a rushing touchdown, so it doesn’t appear the foot is truly an issue. After being upgraded to being a limited participant in practice on Thursday, it appears that Wednesday’s absence was truly a workload issue. 

Joshua Palmer, Los Angeles Chargers (Knee)

Two straight missed practices are not boding well for Joshua Palmer’s status on Sunday. That means it is a good situation for Quentin Johnson to step up in what has been a quiet rookie year to this point. 

Odell Beckham, Baltimore Ravens (Shoulder)

So far this season, Odell Beckham has not been a fantasy factor, but he did have his best game of the season last week with five catches for 49 yards. It is concerning though to see Beckham added mid-week to the Injury Report with a shoulder injury, so this is something to watch although he is not someone who should be relied on from a fantasy perspective. 

Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers (Hamstring)

Seeing Diontae Johnson added to the Injury Report, and not practicing, on Thursday has to be concerning. In his return from a hamstring injury last week, he logged 37 snaps, so for now, this appears to be situation best left ignored even if he does take the field for Week 8. 

 

Week 8 NFL Injury Report for Tight Ends

T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings (Foot)

In one of the biggest concerns of the week, it was a good sign to see T.J. Hockenson return to practice on Thursday, even if it was on a limited basis. Unless things trend in the wrong direction, Hockenson should be back on the field Sunday as one of the best tight ends in the league. 

Darren Waller, New York Giants (Hamstring)

Seeing Darren Waller limited in practice has become quite common and it is more of a maintenance thing. Over the last two weeks, Waller has caught 12 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown as he continues to be one of the better tight end options. 

Luke Musgrave, Green Bay Packers (Ankle)

UPDATE 10/27: Musgrave has still not returned to practice, and it’s likely time to look elsewhere. 

After catching four passes for 30 yards, Luke Musgrave left on Sunday in a boot. It remains to be seen what level of caution was being used and whether or not we will see him in practice this week and in action for Week 8. 

Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints (Chest)

The entire depth chart for the Saints at tight end, led by Taysom Hill, has been limited in practice. Hill is ultimately the main target of the group based on upside, but depending on how things shake out, Juwan Johnson and/or Jimmy Graham could have some value. At this point, target Hill for upside, but stay away. 

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (Ankle)

After playing last week with the same ankle injury, Hunter Henry was limited once again this week. Following a fast start, Henry’s performance has slowed down as of late, and in a timeshare with Mike Gesicki, it best to look in a different direction. 

Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers (Quadricep)

UPDATE 10/27: With a limited practice on Thursday, things are trending in the right direction. 

Prior to exiting with a quadricep injury, it was a relatively good week for Gerald Everett as he caught a touchdown pass. Between Everett and Donald Parham, the Chargers’ tight end depth chart is diluted, so the latter would get a little boost should the former need to miss any time. 

David Njoku, Cleveland Browns (Knee)

Despite dealing with a multitude of issues, David Njoku was back in practice Thursday on a limited basis and he should be fine for Sunday. It has been a solid year for Njoku but also we aren’t seeing any notable production from him as he has yet to find the end zone. 

Noah Fant, Seattle Seahawks (Toe)

With a full practice on Thursday, Noah Fant should be good to this week. The only problem, is that there is not enough available fantasy production in Seattle at the tight end position between Fant and Will Dissly. 

Kylen Granson, Indianapolis Colts (Concussion)

Kylen Granson is slated to be out again this week with a concussion. With that being said, the Colts’ tight end situation is a cluster, and this is a situation to avoid unless in the most desperate of circumstances for Week 8.