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.
Still, head coach Dennis Allen told reporters on Wednesday that Carr is unlikely to suit up for 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)
In the event that Carr is not ready to go, Allen has made it clear that he’s sticking with fifth-round rookie Spencer Rattler at quarterback.
That would be rough news for the rest of the Saints’ offense from a fantasy perspective. 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. Trusting WRs Diontae Johnson or Xavier Legette in fantasy lineups will be a challenge.
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, but Washington Commanders fans didn’t get to enjoy their rookie quarterback for a complete game in Week 7.
Daniels took a hard first-quarter hit from the Carolina Panthers’ defense before being replaced by backup quarterback Marcus Mariota on Washington’s second drive. While he was ruled out for the rest of Sunday’s game with a rib injury, 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)
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.
However, Daniels did not practice on Wednesday, and NFL Network suggested that backup quarterback Marcus Mariota is tending toward starting against the Bears.
Mariota 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 expected points added (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’s not practicing on Wednesday, 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 ranks dead last among all quarterbacks in EPA per dropback (-0.42). Levis practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday, after all.
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.
Gardner Minshew, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
Gardner Minshew is back in the starting lineup for the Las Vegas Raiders now that Aidan O’Connell is sidelined for several weeks. And although Minshew showed up on the Raiders injury report on Wednesday, it looks like it’s nothing to be too concerned about.
He was a full participant in practice, listed with a right elbow injury. Since it is his throwing arm, this is something to keep an eye on as the week progresses as it may flare up. Nonetheless, we expect him to play on Sunday.
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 Monday and Tuesday, which seemingly were scheduled to determine where he stood in his recovery.
As of Wednesday, 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 battling a hamstring injury that interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said “flared up” against the Steelers on Sunday Night Football.
Still, Ulbrich doesn’t seem concerned about Rodgers — who was limited on Wednesday — missing Week 8’s matchup against the Patriots.
“They’re gonna assess it all week long,” Ulbrich said. “(Rodgers is ) gonna treat his butt off like he always does, and don’t anticipate this affecting him in playing.”
Rodgers didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday leading up to Week 7 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)
Here’s what PFN’s Adam Beasley wrote from Wedneseday’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.”
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.
In any case, Jameis Winston has been confirmed as the team’s starter for Sunday’s game against the Ravens, with Bailey Zappe also in the signal-caller mix after having been signed to Cleveland’s active roster off the Chiefs’ practice on Tuesday.
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 participated in individual drills during today’s practice but worked with the club’s training staff afterward. He was officially listed as limited.
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
Ford (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. Ford, who missed this past Sunday’s loss to the Bengals, will have two more opportunities to practice ahead of this weekend’s game against the Ravens.
If he’s available for the contest, Ford would presumably be in line to step into a complementary role in Cleveland’s backfield, with Nick Chubb having returned to action in Week 7.
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.
At this early stage of the week, fantasy managers don’t need to get too concerned about Huint’s Week 8 availability. He’s a veteran player who’s still getting ramped up after not playing for most of the season. Unless Hunt logs a DNP later this week, he should be ready to face the Raiders on Sunday.
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
Rookie Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving did not practice on Wednesday as he deals with a toe injury.
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 after posting 192 scrimmage yards in Week 7.
Three-way backfields are endlessly frustrating for fantasy managers. Unfortunately, it usually takes an injury to sort out a muddle situation like this. If Irving misses time, White and Tucker will only see their respective upside rise.
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
Kamara (hand/rib) was limited at practice on Wednesday.
Kamara told Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune on Wednesday that he’s been playing through a broken hand the last two games and still is dealing with the broken ribs that he suffered Week 3 against the Eagles.
In four outings since then, he’s racked up 74 touches for 273 yards from scrimmage and two rushing TDs, displaying that he remains productive on a week-to-week basis. Kamara will have two more chances to get back to full participation this week or else possibly risk heading into Sunday’s contest at the Chargers with a designation.
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 was limited again for Wednesday’s practice.
Mason didn’t have an injury designation for Week 7. As long as he doesn’t suffer a setback, Mason should be removed from the 49ers’ injury report before they face the 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 SNF.
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 a limited practice on Wednesday. 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 isn’t practicing on Wednesday, but fantasy managers shouldn’t be too concerned about his availability. While his foot injury was part of New England’s Wednesday report, Stevenson was also listed with a “personal” issue.
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.
As long as Stevenson gets in at least one practice this week, he should be good to go against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor hasn’t practiced since suffering a high ankle sprain in the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. But speaking on Monday, head coach Shane Steichen was “very optimistic” about Taylor at least seeing the practice field.
Taylor returned to practice on Wednesday. He was officially listed as limited.
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.
Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have been giving Josh 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.
Last week, Downs returned for limited practices on Thursday and Friday before being listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. He could follow a similar routine leading into Indy’s upcoming matchup against the Texans.
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 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.
The veteran wideout was set to undergo an MRI on Tuesday and is reportedly 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)
With Chris Godwin out for the season with a dislocated ankle, Tampa Bay is down its top two wideouts. That leaves a massive chasm in the passing game for some combination of Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, and Trey Palmer to try and fill.
Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Here’s the bad news: Baltimore Ravens WR Zay Flowers didn’t practice on Wednesday 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. Moreover, the Ravens only conducted a walkthrough today.
As long as Flowers can return for a limited practice later this week, he should be ready to face 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.
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. He’ll still have time to return for sessions on Thursday or Friday, but we’ll need to monitor his practice participation for the rest of the week.
Jennings will have a chance to occupy a regular role with Brandon Aiyuk now 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 does return.
Diontae Johnson, WR, Carolina Panthers
Diontae Johnson was battling the rate 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 isn’t practicing on Wednesday, but fantasy managers probably don’t need to get too concerned as long he participates at some point this week. Heading into Week 7, Johnson went DNP-DNP-LP. Carolina might allow him to rest early this week, as well.
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 was listed on Wednesday’s injury report as having an ankle injury and did not participate. That’s not a good sign, as he did not play in Week 7 due to the same injury.
Johnston has 14 receptions (22 targets) for 164 yards and three scores, averaging 32.8 yards per game this season.
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Week 8 status: PLAYING
The Los Angeles Rams picked up their second win of the season on Sunday and will also see one of their best players return in Week 8.
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who’s been out since spraining his ankle in Week 2, will suit up when Los Angeles hosts the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football. He fully practiced every day this week and won’t carry an injury destination into Week 8.
Kupp has not played since spraining his ankle in Week 2. The Rams never placed him on IR, but Kupp still missed four games with the injury.
Head coach Sean McVay said Kupp was close to returning in Week 7. He was a limited participant in practice last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. While he was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Rams ultimately decided to hold him out.
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 next week remains unclear.
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. Macdonald said Metcalf will not practice on Wednesday or Thursday before the Seahawks re-evaluate him on Friday.
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, 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 now 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.
Fortunately, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce told reporters that Meyers would practice on Wednesday. Meyers should be expected to be limited, but that could still put him on track to play 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.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Ladd McConkey did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to a hip injury. He played in Monday’s game vs. the Cardinals, pulling in 5 receptions for 45 yards. He averaged 9.2 yards per reception.
This is concerning for the Chargers — Johnston seems unlikely to play and if McConkey can’t go, Joshua Palmer would slide into the WR1 slot with Simi Fehoko and Brenden Rice right behind him.
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Week 8 status: QUESTIONABLE
Puka Nacua remains on injured reserve since re-aggravating a preseason knee injury in the season opener. At the time, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Nacua would miss 5-7 weeks.
We’ve hit the back end of that timeline, with Week 8 marking seven weeks since Nacua last played. On Tuesday, the Rams finally opened the 21-day practice window for him to return.
LA Rams Roster Moves:
• Designated for Return, Returned to Practice WR Puka Nacua pic.twitter.com/9m0btRjgWG— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL)
Given that Los Angeles is playing on Thursday night, it seems highly improbable that Nacua would be ready for such a short turnaround. Nacua never fully practiced this week, only getting in limited sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday. With the longer layoff, a return in LA’s Week 9 game at Seattle feels more feasible.
Still, Nacua is officially listed as questionable. Until head coach Sean McVay says otherwise, the second-year wideout appears to have a chance to play on TNF.
LA needs to activate Nacua by their Week 10 game against the Miami Dolphins to ensure he can return this year.
Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints
Chris Olave did not practice leading up to the New Orleans Saints’ Week 7 Thursday night game after suffering a concussion just four days earlier. However, Saints reporter Nick Underhill said that Olave could be among the players who return for their Week 9 contest against the Chargers.
Olave was limited for practice on Wednesday. Assuming he can exit the NFL’s concussion protocol this week, Olave should be ready for Sunday’s game.
Good injury news on the way. Taysom, Cesar Ruiz, Pete Werner and Chris Olave could all be back this week.
Lucas Patrick should definitely be back after being active last week.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill)
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 does return.
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. He was resting again on Wednesday, but we should expect to see him back on the practice field for at least one session before Week 8.
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 Anthony Richardson under center. Pittman’s WR37 finish in Week 8 was his best output with Richardson as his starting QB.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans
Calvin Ridley has been one of 2024’s most disappointing free agent signings, but at least he’d been on the field for the Tennessee Titans.
That could change in Week 8 after Ridley failed to practice on Wednesday due to a foot injury. This is a new issue for Ridley, who wasn’t listed on Tennessee’s injury report entering Week 7.
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 when he’s healthy.
Jayden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers
Jayden Reed is still dealing with the ankle injury he suffered in Week 6. He was officially limited for Wednesday’s Green Bay Packers practice.
The Packers have taken it easy on him since. He was limited for every practice leading up to Week 7. He could follow the same pattern entering Week 8. Assuming Reed doesn’t have a setback, he should be ready to play against the Jaguars on Sunday.
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, 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.
That doesn’t necessarily 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 to the roster; otherwise, he will be out for the rest of the season.
More likely, 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 in Wednesday’s practice. As long the Miami Dolphins’ WR2 doesn’t suffer a setback during the week, he should be good to go against the Cardinals on Sunday.
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 Tagaovailoa 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.
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 last Friday and was removed from Jacksonville’s injury report. Don’t be surprised if Engram takes that same path entering Week 8.
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 on Wednesday. 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.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings
Week 8 status: QUESTIONABLE
T.J. Hockenson’s 2024 debut appears to finally be imminent. After tearing his ACL on Christmas Eve last season, Hockenson was a limited practice participant every day last week. He was not activated for the Week 7 game vs. the Detroit Lions, but The Athletic’s Alec Lewis suggests there’s a “50-50” chance he returns Thursday night against the Rams.
Hockenson is officially questionable for Week 8. Notably, he was limited in practice every day this week and has not managed a full session since being designated to return from IR.
According to @alec_lewis, he is 50/50 on if #Vikings TE TJ Hockenson (ACL) returns on TNF against the #Rams, he said on the @AlecLewisShow.
Minnesota is clearly taking a long term approach with Hockenson’s recovery. If he does play on Thursday, Lewis notes that Hockenson would… pic.twitter.com/ESMILf9Orv
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage)
The advantage of returning for the Rams game is that Hockenson would have a longer layoff to his second game. However, the Vikings only need to activate him by Week 9 vs. the Colts to ensure that he can play again this season.
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills
Dalton Kincaid was limited by his collarbone injury on Wednesday, but the Buffalo Bills tight end appears 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.
Barring a setback, Kincaid should be expected to suit up against the Seahawks on Sunday. Fellow Bills TE Dawson Knox (ankle) didn’t practice on Wednesday. If he sits in Week 8, Kincaid will receive a slight bump in opportunities.
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.
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 will likely manage Kittle’s practices this week. Indeed, he was a DNP on Wednesday. We’ll need to watch the 49ers’ injury reports to see if Kittle can put in a limited session later in the week.
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.