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. Trusting WRs Diontae Johnson (who is also banged up) 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. 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.
However, Daniels did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, and NFL Network suggested that backup quarterback Marcus Mariota is trending 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 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 and Thursday. 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. 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 doesn’t seem 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.”
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 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.”
After getting in a limited practice on Wednesday, Tagovailoa practiced in full on Thursday, which is a great sign.
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 was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
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.
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Carolina Panthers
Brooks (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday. Brooks 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.
The Panthers may make a ruling on his status for a Week 8 matchup in Denver on Friday’s injury report, but in order for him to be available for game action, the team will need to activate 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.
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 on Wednesday or Thursday. Ford, who missed this past Sunday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, will have one more opportunity to practice ahead of this weekend’s game against the Baltimore 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 starter 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. Fortunately, on Thursday, he was a full participant in practice.
Fantasy managers shouldn’t be 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. Now that he’s practicing in full, he should be good to go against the Las Vegas 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
Bucky Irving did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to a toe injury, so his availability for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons isn’t looking good.
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 and Thursday.
Kamara told Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune that he’s been playing through a broken hand the last two games, and he’s still dealing with the broken ribs that he suffered in Week 3 against the Philadelphia 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 one more chance 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 he was limited again this week on Wednesday and Thursday.
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 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 be too concerned. While Stevenson’s 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.
Since he practiced in full on Thursday, he should be good to go against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
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 is a good sign. Check back on Friday to see whether he can get in a full practice and if he has an injury designation for Sunday’s 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.
Kenneth Walker, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Walker (illness) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.
Walker gutted through an illness this past Sunday in Atlanta, but he still was able to handle a 47 percent 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.
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.
But here’s where things differ this week: Downs remained a DNP on Thursday. Last week, he returned for a limited practice on Thursday. Check back on Friday to see if Downs can get in a limited practice. If he can’t, he may miss Sunday’s game 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 under center in Week 7.
Gabe Davis, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
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, but since he’s been limited in both of the team’s first two Week 8 practices, the receiver may need to upgrade to full activity Friday to avoid taking a designation into Sunday’s matchup with the Packers.
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.
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.
As long as Flowers can return for a limited practice on Friday, he should be ready to face the Cleveland 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.
Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
Hill (foot) was limited at practice Thursday. Hill worked fully Wednesday, so his addition to Miami’s injury report a day later is notable.
Meanwhile, fellow WR Jaylen Waddle (quad) was also limited Thursday, which sets the stage for Friday’s injury report to loom large in terms of the duo’s availability for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals.
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).
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. It’s still possible that he returns for Friday’s session, but we’ll need to monitor this situation closely.
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 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 missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but fantasy managers probably don’t need to get too concerned as long he participates on Friday. After all, heading into Week 7, Johnson went DNP-DNP-LP. Carolina might be trying a similar approach this week.
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 with an ankle injury, and he did not participate in practice. Then, he also missed Thursday’s practice. This is the same injury that caused Johnston to miss Week 7, and his Week 8 availability isn’t looking great.
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
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who’s been out since spraining his ankle in Week 2, is playing against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football. He fully practiced every day this week and didn’t carry an injury destination heading into Week 8.
Allen Lazard, WR, New York Jets
Lazard (chest) did not participate in Thursday’s practice. Lazard has now missed back-to-back practices due to a chest injury, which casts genuine uncertainty over his status for Sunday’s road matchup against New England.
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.
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, and he’ll be re-evaluated 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.
While Meyers logged a limited practice on Wednesday, he did not practice on Thursday. It’s unclear if this was part of the Raiders’ plan or if he experienced a setback. Check back on Friday to see if Meyers practices and has an injury designation for Sunday.
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 missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a hip injury. He played in Monday’s game against the Arizona 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 now things aren’t looking good for McConkey either. If they are both sidelined, Joshua Palmer would slide into the WR1 slot with Simi Fehoko and Brenden Rice right behind him.
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Puka Nacua was a surprise activation ahead of the Rams’ Thursday Night Football contest against the Vikings, and he played in the Week 8 showdown.
This is Nacua’s first action since he suffered his knee injury in Week 1.
LA Rams Roster Moves:
• Designated for Return, Returned to Practice WR Puka Nacua pic.twitter.com/9m0btRjgWG— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 22, 2024
Los Angeles needed to activate Nacua by their Week 10 game against the Miami Dolphins, but he beat that timeline by two weeks.
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 8 contest against the Chargers.
Olave was limited in practice on Wednesday, and then got in a full practice on Thursday. That’s a great sign. Assuming he can exit the NFL’s concussion protocol this week, Olave should be ready for Sunday’s game.
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. After sitting out Wednesday’s practice, Pittman was a full participant on Thursday, so he should be good to go 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, RB, New England Patriots
Polk (concussion) remained sidelined at practice on Thursday. After missing Wednesday’s session, Polk now has one more chance to practice ahead of Sunday’s game against the Jets.
If the 2024 second-rounder is unavailable this weekend, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne would be 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 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.
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 in practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
He was limited for every practice leading up to Week 7 and he still managed to play. 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.
Curtis Samuel, WR, Buffalo Bills
Samuel (pectoral) did not participate in Thursday’s practice. Samuel remains sidelined due to a pectoral injury that forced him out of Buffalo’s win over Tennessee in Week 7.
He’s trending in the wrong direction for Sunday’s road matchup against the Seahawks, but an absence on Samuel’s part may not impact the Bills offense too notably. 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. 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.
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 on Wednesday and Thursday. 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.
He was once again a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.
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 on Wednesday or Thursday. 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
Hill (rib) was a limited practice participant on Wednesday but a full participant on Thursday. Hill has been listed as limited on four consecutive injury reports from last week, but he’s still seeking his first game action since Week 4 in Atlanta.
Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau have been handling TE reps in the interim, but Johnson joined Hill as limited on Wednesday’s report due to a shoulder injury.
As a result, the statuses of both Hill and Johnson will continue to be watched as the weekend approaches to see if either is in danger of sitting out Sunday at the Chargers.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings
While it seemed like T.J. Hockenson would make his season debut in Week 8 against the Rams, the Vikings decided to list him as inactive several hours before kickoff on Thursday night.
Hockenson has yet to play this season while recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered last season. However, he returned to practice on Oct. 4 when the Vikings opened his 21-day practice window.
The Vikings must add Hockenson to the 53-man roster by Oct. 25, so expect him to make his season debut in Week 9 when the Vikings face the Indianapolis Colts.
This is the second week in a row that Hockenson practiced in a limited capacity all week only to be inactive on game day.
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills
Dalton Kincaid was limited by his collarbone injury on Wednesday and Thursday, 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. However, on Thursday, he was a limited participant, which is a great sign.
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.