Injuries continue to add up throughout the NFL. Plenty of players got banged up in Week 7, while others suffered injuries that could knock them out for several weeks or more. Let’s round up the most notable injury updates looking ahead to Week 8.
Derek Carr, QB, New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr has missed the New Orleans Saints’ last two games after suffering an oblique injury in Week 5. Carr did not practice leading up to last week’s Thursday night game vs. the Denver Broncos. However, he is back to throwing, which suggests a return could be imminent. However, he missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and head coach Dennis Allen told reporters that Carr is unlikely to suit up in Week 8.
Saints coach Dennis Allen said Spencer Rattler is the expected quarterback Sunday at the Chargers.
Derek Carr has resumed throwing but isn’t likely to be back yet this week.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) October 23, 2024
With Carr likely sidelined again, Allen has made it clear that he’s sticking with fifth-round rookie Spencer Rattler at quarterback.
From a fantasy perspective, that’s bad news for the Saints’ offense. New Orleans scored 27 points in the second quarter of Rattler’s first start vs. Tampa Bay but has otherwise put up three points in seven quarters with him (Jake Haener led their only touchdown drive vs. Denver).
Andy Dalton, QB, Carolina Panthers
Andy Dalton will not start for the Carolina Panthers in Week 8 after being involved in a car accident. Dalton sprained his thumb in the incident but otherwise “feels good,” head coach Dave Canales told reporters on Wednesday.
Instead, former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young will be back under center for the Panthers when they face the Broncos on Sunday. Carolina benched Young after he started in Weeks 1 and 2, and it was difficult to argue with the club’s decision.
Young failed to improve on his dismal rookie campaign, even after the Panthers augmented his offensive environment. He ranked dead last in EPA per dropback (-0.44) before Canales pulled the plug.
Young’s inclusion in the starting lineup represents a downgrade for all of Carolina’s pass catchers. That’s doubly true against a Denver pass defense that ranks No. 1 in efficiency and No. 3 in success rate against opposing passing attacks.
Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels would be a shoo-in for Rookie of the Year honors if the 2024 NFL season ended today. However, the Washington Commanders quarterback is currently sidelined with a rib injury after taking a hard first-quarter hit in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers.
Daniels was replaced by backup quarterback Marcus Mariota on Washington’s second drive. While he was ruled out for the rest of Sunday’s game, Daniels returned to the Commanders’ sideline in street clothes.
A smiling Jayden Daniels returns to the sideline pic.twitter.com/bYuuJc9oOT
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 20, 2024
Subsequent updates on his condition have been positive. Daniels’ mother tweeted, “He’s fine,” in reference to her son’s injury. Meanwhile, FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported that tests revealed no fractures to Daniels’ ribs.
On Monday, head coach Dan Quinn labeled Daniels “week to week” ahead of Washington’s Week 8 game against the Chicago Bears. “We’re hopeful he can play, but we’ll also make sure to take every precautionary step and do it smartly for the player and the man,” Quinn said.
While Quinn was optimistic about Daniels’ Week 8 status earlier in the week, the rookie quarterback did not participate in practice on Wednesday or Thursday.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Daniels would attempt to practice on Friday. However, the rookie signal-caller ultimately could not participate.
Quinn and the Commanders consider Daniels a game-time decision for Week 8. Daniels is officially questionable for Sunday’s game.
“We will assess how he responds to the work that we did over the next 48 hours,” Quinn said. “But we really pushed it today.”
NFL Network has suggested that Mariota will likely start against the Bears on Sunday. Washington’s QB2 carved up the Panthers’ sieve of a defense in Week 7, completing 18 of 23 attempts for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Chicago’s defense — which ranks No. 2 in EPA against the pass — represents a much stiffer test.
Daniels has been the NFL’s most efficient quarterback through seven weeks, ranking No. 1 in EPA per dropback (0.27). He’s also third in passing success rate (52.1%), indicating he’s consistent on a down-to-down basis.
Will Levis, QB, Tennessee Titans
Will Levis continues to be hindered by the right shoulder injury he suffered in Week 4. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, while Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said his club will likely give Levis another week to recover.
Last week, Levis was limited on Wednesday and Friday but fully practiced on Thursday. Despite being listed as questionable, Levis was not active for Sunday’s game.
This may be a soft benching for the 2023 second-round pick, who has thrown five touchdowns and seven interceptions in five games. After all, he is practicing in a limited capacity.
However, it’s not as if replacement Mason Rudolph exactly lit the world on fire while completing 25 of 40 passes for 215 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the Titans’ 34-10 loss to the Bills.
The Titans are averaging -0.19 EPA per play with Levis on the field, which would rank 30th in the NFL. With Rudolph on the field, the Titans are averaging -0.17 EPA per play, which would rank 28th.
Gardner Minshew II, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
Gardner Minshew II is back in the starting lineup for the Las Vegas Raiders now that Aidan O’Connell is sidelined for several weeks with a broken thumb. And although Minshew showed up on the Raiders injury report on Wednesday, it looks like it’s nothing to be too concerned about.
Despite his listed right elbow injury, he was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. He will not carry an injury designation into Week 8’s game against the Chiefs.
Spencer Rattler, QB, New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said Wednesday that Spencer Rattler (hip) likely will be the Saints’ starting quarterback Sunday at the Chargers.
Carr, who has been sidelined the last two games due to an oblique injury, took part in throwing sessions on Monday and Tuesday, which seemed to be scheduled to determine his recovery status. However, he wasn’t able to practice on Wednesday or Thursday.
Allen doesn’t believe Carr will be ready for Week 8 action, allowing Rattler to get a third start in a row. Rattler emerged from last Thursday’s to the Broncos with a hip pointer, but the issue won’t stop him from being available this weekend.
In his first two career starters, the rookie fifth-rounder has completed 47 of 75 passes for 415 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, rushed nine times for 61 yards, and fumbled three times (two lost).
Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers was already dealing with knee and ankle injuries in recent weeks. Now, the veteran New York Jets quarterback is also battling a hamstring injury that interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said “flared up” against the Steelers on Sunday Night Football.
Still, Ulbrich never seemed concerned about Rodgers — who was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday — missing the Jets’ Week 8 matchup against the New England Patriots.
“They’re gonna assess it all week long,” Ulbrich said. “(Rodgers is) gonna treat his butt off like he always does, and (I) don’t anticipate this affecting him in playing.”
NFL Network reported on Friday that Rodgers was expected to play in Week 8, and he was soon removed from the Jets’ injury report.
Last week, Rodgers didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday before returning for a full session on Friday. He was removed from New York’s injury report heading into its game against Pittsburgh.
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa’s presence at Wednesday’s practice had to be a sight for the Miami Dolphins’ sore eyes. After struggling with Skylar Thompson, Tyler Huntley, and Tim Boyle while Tagovailoa recovered from his Week 3 concussion, the Dolphins’ offense should get a significant boost now that Tua is back in the saddle.
With Tua sidelined from Weeks 3 through 7, Miami ranked 31st in offensive EPA per play (-0.23). Only the Patriots were worse during that stretch. Neither Tyreek Hill nor Jaylen Waddle has produced a top-30 fantasy WR finish since Tua exited.
Big day for the Miami Dolphins.
Tua Tagovailoa is back at practice for the first time in six weeks.
Players not spotted today: Terron Armstead, Calais Campbell, Kader Kohou, Storm Duck, and Tyler Huntley. pic.twitter.com/yjyyV9ArL1
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) October 23, 2024
Here’s what PFN’s Adam Beasley wrote from Wednesday’s Dolphins practice:
“Tagovailoa, who, as he signaled, did not wear a Guardian Cap, looked sharp during the 20+ minute window open to reporters. Only one of his many throws hit the ground: An in-breaking route to Jaylen Waddle that was just beyond his grasp.”
After getting in a limited practice on Wednesday, Tagovailoa practiced in full on Thursday, which is a great sign.
On Friday, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel announced that Tua had exited the NFL’s concussion protocol and will start against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Tagovailoa is only listed as questionable because he’s technically still on IR.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, Cleveland Browns
Head coach Kevin Stefanski noted Wednesday that the Browns plan to see how Thompson-Robinson progresses from his finger injury — specifically in terms of his throwing — before a determination on the QB’s Week 8 availability is made.
Thompson-Robinson participated fully in practice all week. He will serve as Clevleand’s QB2 behind new starter Jamies Winston.
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Brooks (knee) practiced in a limited capacity all week. He sandwiched a pair of capped practices around a scheduled day off last Thursday, so his ability to put together back-to-back limited sessions to kick off this week is a good sign for the rookie second-round pick as he gets back into football shape.
Brooks is doubtful for Week 8, indicating the Panthers will give him more time to recover before activating him from the reserve/non-football injury list.
Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) missed Week 7 and is still considered day to day, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said on Wednesday.
Etienne was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. This comes one day after he participated in individual drills during practice and then worked with the club’s training staff afterward.
On Friday, Pederson said Etienne will be a game-time decision against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
With Etienne sidelined against the Patriots in London, Tank Bigsby assumed RB1 duties for the Jaguars, posting his second 100-yard rushing game in three weeks while scoring two touchdowns. Among RBs with at least 40 carries, Bigsby ranks No. 1 in yards after contact per attempt (4.57) and No. 5 in explosive run rate (13.4%).
Jerome Ford, RB, Cleveland Browns
Jerome Ford (hamstring) did not practice all week and will not suit up against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.
Ford, who missed this past Sunday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, will be behind returned starter Nick Chubb once he gets back on the field. He posted two top-20 fantasy finishes while Chubb was recovering but will slide back into a complementary role upon getting healthy.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Kareem Hunt, who’s become the Kansas City Chiefs’ RB1 in his second stint with the club, was limited by a hip injury during Wednesday’s practice. Fortunately, on Thursday, he was a full participant in practice.
On Friday, the Chiefs removed Hunt from their injury report altogether. He’ll be ready to face the Raiders on Sunday.
Fantasy managers shouldn’t have been concerned about Hunt’s Week 8 availability. He’s a veteran player who’s still getting ramped up after not playing for most of the season.
Hunt has seen plenty of volume as the WR-depleted Chiefs leaned into the run game. He’s received 22+ carries in each of the past two games, finishing as the RB6 and RB11, respectively.
Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucky Irving did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to a toe injury. However, he returned to practice on Friday and is expected to suit up against the Falcons on Sunday despite officially being listed as questionable.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles promised a three-headed monster of a backfield, and Tampa Bay delivered on that vow against the Ravens on Monday night:
- Rachaad White: 39 snaps, 16 opportunities (carries + targets)
- Bucky Irving: 29 snaps, 12 opportunities
- Sean Tucker: 16 snaps, 7 opportunities
White scored two receiving TDs and finished as the RB2, while Irving punched in a TD on the ground and ranked as RB16 in Week 8. Tucker, of course, was RB1 the week prior after posting 192 scrimmage yards.
Three-way backfields are endlessly frustrating for fantasy managers. Unfortunately, it usually takes an injury to sort out a muddled situation like this.
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara (hand/rib) was limited at practice throughout the week. However, the New Orleans Saints removed the veteran running back from their injury report on Friday. Kamara is set to face the Chargers in Week 8.
Kamara told Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune that he’s been playing through a broken hand the last two games. He’s also still dealing with the broken ribs that he suffered in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In four outings since, Kamara racked up 74 touches for 273 yards from scrimmage and two rushing TDs, displaying that he remains productive on a week-to-week basis.
Jordan Mason, RB, San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are taking it easy on running back Jordan Mason, who suffered a shoulder injury in Week 6. Mason was limited throughout the week leading into Week 7, and he was limited again this week.
On Friday, the 49ers removed Mason from their injury report. He’s ready to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.
The former undrafted free agent was not held back by his shoulder injury in Week 7. While he only handled 14 carries in San Francisco’s loss to Kansas City, Mason played a season-high 86% of the 49ers’ offensive snaps.
Through seven weeks, Dallas’ defense ranks dead last in EPA per rush and 30th in rushing success rate allowed. They’ve given up 180+ rushing yards in half of their games this season. Mason could have a field day on Sunday Night Football.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans
Tyjae Spears missed the Tennessee Titans’ Week 7 loss to the Buffalo Bills after not practicing all week with a hamstring injury. But in speaking with reporters on Monday, head coach Brian Callahan said that Spears could return in Week 8.
Spears returned for limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday. With Spears out in Week 7, Tony Pollard played a season-high 88% of the Titans’ snaps.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots
Rhamondre Stevenson returned in Week 7 after missing Week 6 with a foot injury, leading the New England Patriots’ backfield with 30 snaps. New England played from behind for much of Sunday’s game, so Stevenson only handled seven rushing attempts while receiving three targets in the passing game.
Stevenson missed practice on Wednesday, but he was a full participant on Thursday. Fantasy managers shouldn’t have been too concerned. While Stevenson’s foot injury was part of New England’s Wednesday report, Stevenson was also listed with a “personal” issue.
Although Stevenson is technically listed as questionable, he should be expected to face the Jets on Sunday.
Last week, the 26-year-old didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday before fully practicing on Friday. Stevenson was listed as questionable heading into Week 7.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor has been sidelined since suffering a high ankle sprain in the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fortunately, Taylor got in limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday, which was a good sign.
On Friday, the Colts officially removed Taylor from their injury report. He will face the Texans in Week 8 and will not carry an injury destination into the game.
Ankle injuries are especially concerning for Taylor, who followed his 2021 All-Pro campaign by missing most of the 2022 season with a sprained ankle.
In his absence, Trey Sermon has played 57% of the snaps, while Tyler Goodson has played 43%. However, Goodson has far outperformed Sermon in that stretch, averaging 4.7 yards per rush compared to 2.9 for Sermon.
Taylor isn’t returning to an ideal matchup. Houston allows the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs and is sixth-best by EPA per rush.
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III (illness) practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday. However, the Seattle Seahawks removed him from their injury report on Friday. Walker is good to go for Week 8.
Walker gutted through an illness this past Sunday in Atlanta, but he still was able to handle a 47% snap share and turn 16 touches into 93 yards from scrimmage and two total TDs.
Fellow RB Zach Charbonnet actually saw the field more than Walker, earning 55 percent of snaps, but his eight touches went for a measly nine total yards. Walker has followed up Wednesday’s absence with some activity one day later, indicating he’s trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Bills.
Gabe Davis, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Gabe Davis (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice. The Jaguars haven’t indicated that Davis suffered a setback with his knee coming out of this past Sunday’s win over the Patriots.
On Friday, Davis was officially removed from Jacksonville’s injury report. He will face the Packers in Week 8.
While suiting up in each of the Jaguars’ first seven games, Davis has played at least two-thirds of the snaps in every contest while recording 18 catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns on 35 targets.
Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Josh Downs was removed from the Indianapolis Colts’ injury report on Friday and is good to go against the Texans on Sunday.
The Colts have been giving Downs rest days since he injured his toe in Week 5. He hasn’t practiced on Wednesdays in either of the last two weeks. Now also battling a groin injury, Downs continued with that pattern ahead of Week 8.
But here’s where things differed this week: Downs remained a DNP on Thursday. Last week, he returned for a limited practice on Thursday.
Downs missed the first two games of this season with a high ankle sprain. After returning, he was a top-20 fantasy WR in three straight games while catching passes from Joe Flacco. However, he hauled in just one of three targets for three yards after the erratic Anthony Richarson returned under center in Week 7.
Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans was on the injury report leading up to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Week 7 Monday night game after sitting out practice both Thursday and Friday with a hamstring injury. While he returned to practice Saturday and was off the injury report entirely, it’s clear that something was amiss.
Evans came up lame after his first touchdown catch but stayed in the game only to aggravate his right hamstring on an end-zone target during Tampa Bay’s third drive. He left the game and did not return.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles told reporters that the veteran wideout is likely to miss at least the next three games prior to the Bucs’ Week 11 bye.
Per Sources, #Bucs WR Mike Evans will be sidelined with his hamstring injury until after the team’s Week 11 bye. Anything sooner than a Week 12 return against the Giants is considered unlikely.
— JC Allen (@JCAllenNFL) October 22, 2024
With Chris Godwin out for the season with a dislocated ankle, Tampa Bay is down its top two wideouts. That means the Bucs will need Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, and Trey Palmer to step up and fill the void.
Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Here’s the bad news: Baltimore Ravens WR Zay Flowers didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday after injuring his ankle in Week 7.
Here’s the good news: Flowers returned to Baltimore’s win against the Buccaneers on Monday night, so his injury probably isn’t all that serious.
Flowers returned for a limited Friday practice and is officially considered questionable. Given that ESPN’s Jamison Hensley said Flowers “ran out onto the field and was even dancing off to the side before the start of practice,” we’re projecting Baltimore’s WR1 to suit up against the Browns on Sunday.
The 2023 first-round pick posted at least seven catches and 100 yards in Weeks 6 and 7, finishing as WR15 or better in both games. If Flowers can’t play, fellow Ravens WR Rashod Bateman could be a viable fantasy starter, especially after he caught four passes for 121 yards and a TD last week.
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Tee Higgins was a new addition to the Cincinnati Bengals’ Friday injury report. He was limited by a quadricep injury on Friday and is now considered questionable to face the Eagles on Sunday.
Late-week downgrades are never good for fantasy players. Typically, they suggest that the player was injured during practice. We’ll need to watch for a Higgins update throughout the weekend ahead of Week 8’s game.
Higgins missed the first two weeks of the 2024 season after suffering a hamstring injury during practice. The Bengals struggled without him, posting just 224 yards and 10 points in a Week 1 upset to the Patriots before losing a tight game to the Chiefs in Week 2.
Since returning, Higgins has out-targeted fellow Cincinnati WR Ja’Marr Chase 45 to 37. He’s been a top-36 fantasy WR in each of the past three weeks, including a WR4 finish in Week 5 and a WR9 finish against the Browns last Sunday.
Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
Tyreek Hill (foot) was limited at practice Thursday. Hill worked fully Wednesday, so his addition to Miami’s injury report a day later is notable.
Hill did not participate in Friday’s practice, which would typically be cause for alarm. However, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Friday that Hill remains likely to face the Cardinals in Week 8.
If Hill is able to face Arizona this weekend, his fantasy prospects could be boosted by the potential return to action of top QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). Hill hasn’t managed a top-30 fantasy WR finish since Tua went on IR.
Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Jauan Jennings did not practice all week leading up to Week 7, missing the game with a hip injury. But the battered San Francisco 49ers could sorely use his return, with Kyle Shanahan noting, “I’m really hoping to get him back this week.”
Unfortunately, Jennings failed to practice on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, 49ers general manager John Lynch told KNBR that Jennings was doubtful to face the Cowboys on Sunday night. San Fran officially ruled him out a few hours later.
When he eventually returns, Jennings will have a chance to occupy a regular role with Brandon Aiyuk done for the season following a torn ACL and MCL. While he’s only produced seven catches for 128 yards since his 11-catch, 175-yard game in Week 3 vs. the Los Angeles Rams, he should have a higher floor when he returns.
Diontae Johnson, WR, Carolina Panthers
Diontae Johnson was battling the rare injury trifecta — ribs, hamstring, and ankle — as the Carolina Panthers played the Commanders last week. He was questionable for Week 7 but ultimately suited up, catching just one pass for 17 yards in a blowout loss.
Johnson is now dealing with only the rib injury, but he did not practice all week and will not play against the Broncos in Week 8. Although the veteran wide receiver told reporters after Friday’s practice that he thought he’d be good to go against, Carolina riled him out roughly an hour later.
Of course, Johnson has also become a popular name on the NFL trade deadline rumor mill. With two more weeks until the Nov. 5 deadline, Johnson could be staring down his final games as a Panther.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Quentin Johnston is battling the same ankle injury that forced him to miss Week 7. This week, the former first-round pick saw a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.
While Johnston didn’t practice at all leading into Week 7, he did manage a limited Friday practice before Week 8. He’s still doubtful heading into Sunday’s game against the Saints, but his availability on Friday could suggest Johnston will be back for Week 9.
Johnston has 14 receptions (22 targets) for 164 yards and three scores, averaging 32.8 yards per game this season.
Allen Lazard, WR, New York Jets
Allen Lazard (chest) did not participate in practice all week while dealing with a chest injury, casting genuine uncertainty over his status for Sunday’s road matchup against New England.
He’s officially considered doubtful for Week 8. Interim New York Jets head coach Jeff Ulbrich said Lazard would be a game-time decision.
If Lazard can’t suit up in Week 8, Garrett Wilson and new teammate Davante Adams will possess a clearer path than usual to work as the unquestioned top targets in the wide receiver room for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Ladd McConkey missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a hip injury. He returned for a limited session on Friday and is listed as questionable for Week 8.
Fortunately, the Chargers play against the Saints in this Sunday’s early window. Fantasy managers will know McConkey’s game status
McConkey, whom Los Angeles secluded in the second round of April’s draft, finished as fantasy’s WR19 in Week 1 and WR18 in Week 4. He’s been outside the top 30 fantasy wide receivers in every other game.
Fellow Chargers WR Quentin Johnston is doubtful to play against New Orleans on Sunday. If he sits, McConkey could see more targets than usual.
DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks
DK Metcalf was carted to the Seattle Seahawks’ locker room at the end of Week 7, and his status for this week isn’t looking great.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald downplayed Metcalf’s knee injury after the club’s win on Sunday, noting that it “doesn’t look too bad.”
However, on Monday, Metcalf was officially diagnosed with a Grade 1 sprained MCL and is considered week to week. Metcalf did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. The Seahawks were supposed to re-evaluate him on Friday, but Metcalf has already been listed as doubtful.
Seattle will face the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers over the next two weeks before going on a bye in Week 10.
Before departing in Week 7, Metcalf posted four catches for 99 yards and a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons. He leads Seattle in targets, receiving yards, and touchdowns and has finished as a fantasy WR2 or better in four of seven games this year.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Jakobi Meyers is the Las Vegas Raiders’ ostensible top wide receiver with Davante Adams gone, but he’ll actually need to see the field first. Meyers did not practice at all last week due to an ankle injury and has missed Vegas’ past two games.
While Meyers didn’t practice on Thursday, head coach Antonio Pierce said Meyers is expected to practice on Friday and play against the Chiefs in Week 8.
Tre Tucker and DJ Turner were the Raiders’ top two wideouts vs. the Rams in Week 7, with each playing 95% of the snaps. However, they combined for only five catches and 49 yards, highlighting the gaping vacuum to fill in Vegas’ passing game.
Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints
After missing Week 7 with a concussion, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave does not have an injury designation for Week 8. He is ready to play against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
Olave did not practice before the Saints’ Week 7 Thursday night game after suffering a concussion just four days earlier.
This week, Olave was limited in practice on Wednesday before getting in a full practice on Thursday. He’s exited the league’s concussion protocol and will resume his role as the Saints’ WR1.
Olave’s fantasy value will be limited as long as Carr (oblique) remains out. But with Rashid Shaheed (meniscus) out for the season, there should be plenty of targets headed Olave’s way when he returns.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts
Michael Pittman Jr. is still battling the back injury that the Indianapolis Colts initially thought would send him to injured reserve in Week 6. Pittman miraculously played that week and suited up again in Week 7.
Indy has been managing his practice reps. Pittman has only practiced on one day in each of the past two weeks. After sitting out Wednesday’s practice, Pittman was a full participant on Thursday and will be available against the Texans on Sunday.
Pittman led the Colts in targets (five), receptions (three), and receiving yards (63) in last week’s win over the Dolphins, but it’s hard to trust any Indianapolis pass catcher with Richardson under center. Pittman’s WR37 finish in Week 8 was his best output with Richardson as his starting QB.
Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, New England Patriots
Ja’Lynn Polk (concussion) did not practice all week and will not suit up against the Jets on Sunday.
With the 2024 second-rounder unavailable this weekend, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and Kendrick Bourne are in line to lead the Patriots’ Week 8 wideout corps.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans
Calvin Ridley has been one of 2024’s most disappointing free agent signings, but at least he’s been on the field for the Tennessee Titans.
That looked like it could change in Week 8 after Ridley failed to practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a foot injury. This is a new issue for Ridley, who wasn’t listed on Tennessee’s injury report entering Week 7.
However, Ridley returned to practice on Friday and will not carry an injury destination into Sunday’s game against the Lions.
#Titans OC Nick Holz says they won’t force the ball to Calvin Ridley anymore pic.twitter.com/s9vRiluP50
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) October 25, 2024
Ridley, who inked a four-year, $92 million deal with the Titans in March, is averaging just two catches for 30.5 yards through seven weeks. He finished as fantasy’s WR6 after catching four passes for 77 yards and a score in Week 2, but he hasn’t been a top-50 option in any other game.
Tennessee traded WR DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs on Wednesday, which should open more opportunities for Ridley.
Jayden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers
Jayden Reed is still dealing with the ankle injury he suffered in Week 6. He was officially limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, the Packers officially removed Reed from their injury report. He’s good to go against the Jaguars.
He was limited in every practice leading up to Week 7, but he still managed to play. Reed ultimately followed the same pattern entering Week 8.
Curtis Samuel, WR, Buffalo Bills
Curtis Samuel (pectoral) did not participate in practice all week. Samuel remains sidelined due to a pectoral injury that forced him out of Buffalo’s win over Tennessee in Week 7. Head coach Sean McDermott officially ruled Samuel out on Friday.
Samuel’s absence may not significantly impact the Bills’ offense. Through seven games this season, Samuel has yet to rack up 100 yards from scrimmage.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, San Francisco 49ers
Deebo Samuel Sr. played only three snaps in the 49ers’ Week 7 game vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, departing with what the team termed an illness at the time. As it turns out, Samuel was in the hospital on Monday dealing with pneumonia, leaving him uncertain to play in San Francisco’s Week 8 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Samuel, who is also dealing with a wrist injury, did not practice on Wednesday. However, he returned to practice on Thursday as a limited participant and participated again on Friday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Deebo still “has a chance to play” on Sunday night.
Samuel will be the 49ers’ unquestioned top wideout whenever he does return with Aiyuk out for the year. To date, Samuel has recorded a 20.9% target rate, his lowest since his rookie season back in 2019.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Having already lost wide receivers Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown, as well as RB Isiah Pacheco, QB Patrick Mahomes could hardly afford to watch another one of his offensive weapons go down in Week 7.
Nevertheless, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster aggravated an existing hamstring issue against the 49ers. While he was initially listed as questionable to return, Kansas City officially ruled him out in the fourth quarter.
On Monday, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters that Smith-Schuster will not play against the Raiders in Week 8.
Kansas City bolstered its wide receiver depth chart on Wednesday morning, sending a conditional fifth-round pick to the Titans in exchange for veteran WR DeAndre Hopkins. The 32-year-old should add a new dimension to a stagnant Chiefs offense and is expected to suit up in Week 8.
Adam Thielen, WR, Carolina Panthers
Adam Thielen has been out since hurting his hamstring in Week 3. However, the Carolina Panthers officially designated the 34-year-old to return from injured reserve this week. He got in limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday before sitting out on Friday.
That doesn’t mean Thielen will be on the field for Sunday’s game against the Broncos. It just means that he has three weeks to be activated onto the roster; otherwise, he will be out for the rest of the season.
The Panthers will see Thielen back on the field either in Week 9 vs. the Saints or in Week 10 vs. the New York Giants.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
Jaylen Waddle was batting a new quad injury and was a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday. Fortunately, the Miami Dolphins’ WR2 returned for a full Friday practice and was removed from the club’s injury report.
Waddle struggled along with the rest of Miami’s offense while QB Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined by a concussion. The former first-round pick didn’t eclipse 50 receiving yards or finish better than WR45 with any of Tua’s replacements under center.
That should change as soon as this week. Not only is Tagovailoa poised to return, but Arizona is an appetizing defensive opponent. The Cardinals rank 30th in EPA against the pass and allow the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts.
Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers
Christian Watson suffered a freak ankle injury in Week 4 that caused him to miss Week 5. However, head coach Matt LaFleur said Green Bay “dodged a bullet” with Watson’s injury, which was diagnosed as a medial sprain.
Watson has been limited in every practice since but played in Weeks 6 and 7. He was questionable for Week 6 but was removed from the Packers’ injury report leading into last week’s win over the Texans.
He was once again a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. On Friday, the Packers officially removed Watson from their injury report. He’s good to go against the Jaguars.
Evan Engram, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Evan Engram returned with a vengeance in Week 6, putting up 10 catches for 102 yards in his first appearance since Week 1. He was a bit quieter in Week 7, managing only five catches for 35 yards and finishing as the TE19 one week after being TE3.
The Jacksonville Jaguars tight end missed four games after suffering a hamstring injury in the club’s season opener. Since then, the team has managed his practice reps.
Engram was limited on Wednesday, just as he was for two practices leading into Week 7. However, he fully practiced on Thursday, so he’s good to go for Sunday’s game against the Packers.
Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas Goedert did not practice at all last week after hurting his hamstring early in the Philadelphia Eagles’ Week 6 game vs. the Cleveland Browns. There haven’t yet been any updates on his status this week, so it doesn’t feel as though Goedert’s return is imminent for an injury that often requires multiple weeks off.
Unfortunately, Goedert didn’t practice this week, either. He won’t be back on the fantasy radar until he can log at least a limited session.
Grant Calcaterra has started for the Eagles in his stead, playing 81% of the snaps over the last two games. Calcaterra impressed with four catches for 67 yards in the Week 6 win over the Browns but only had one target (caught for five yards) last Sunday vs. the Giants.
Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints
Taysom Hill (rib) will return Sunday for his first game action since going down in Week 5. He participated in limited practice on Wednesday but fully practiced on Thursday.
Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau have been handling TE reps in the interim. However, Johnson joined Hill as limited on Wednesday’s report due to a shoulder injury and is questionable for Week 7.
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills
Dalton Kincaid was limited by his collarbone injury on Wednesday and Thursday, but the Buffalo Bills tight end appeared to be following a similar practice pattern as last week. Heading into Week 7, Kincaid was limited on Wednesday and Thursday before fully practicing on Friday. He didn’t carry an injury designation in Buffalo’s eventual win over the Titans.
Indeed, Kincaid returned for a full Friday practice and will not carry an injury designation into Week 8.
Kincaid has posted 50 receiving yards in back-to-back weeks but still has scored just once this season. The tight end fantasy landscape has been so disappointing that Kincaid’s production has still been enough to earn him three TE1 performances through seven gamers.
Fellow Bills TE Dawson Knox (ankle) didn’t practice on Wednesday but went full on Friday and will face the Seahawks on Sunday.
George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers
George Kittle has gotten off to a terrific start, leading all tight ends with five touchdown receptions. But despite playing 91% of the snaps in the Week 7 loss to the Chiefs, the All-Pro tight end apparently came out of that game with a sprained foot.
The San Francisco 49ers managed Kittle’s practices this week. Indeed, he was a DNP on Wednesday. However, on Thursday, he was a limited participant, which is a great sign. Kittle practiced again on Friday and is officially questionable for Week 8.
Unfortunately, fantasy football managers are in a tough spot because San Francisco plays on Sunday night. Hopefully, we’ll have clarification on Kittle’s status so that managers are scrambling for a TE replacement.
Kittle missed the 49ers’ Week 3 game vs. the Rams, and no San Francisco tight end was usable from a fantasy perspective. Eric Saubert started and had two catches for 41 yards.