Injuries are piling up across the NFL, and Week 8 seems to have more than what can be considered normal. We’re tracking every injury around the league related to fantasy-relevant wide receivers so you can have all the information you need for your fantasy football lineups.
Looking for all the injuries at all positions? Check out our final NFL Week 8 Injury Report heading into the weekend.
Is Your Wide Receiver Playing Today in Week 8?
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.