NFL News & Analysis

NFL Week 8 Injury Report: All 15 games

Saquon BarkleyÊof the Giants runs the ball in the fourth quarter as the Denver Broncos came to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ and beat the New York Giants 27-13 in the first game of the 2021 season on September 12, 2021. The Denver Broncos Came To Metlife Stadium In East Rutherford Nj To Play The New York Giants In The First Game Of The 2021 Season On September 12 2021

A player's injury status can have a significant effect on both real life and fantasy football. So, each week, PFF injury analyst Mario Pilato will comb through the official injury reports for each NFL game and give updates and analysis for fantasy-relevant players.

Injuries are fluid, so make sure to stay up to date by following @PFF_Mario on Twitter.

KEY
DNP: Did not participate in practice
LP: Limited participation in practice
FP: Full participation
(-): Not listed
OUT: Player will not play
D: Player is unlikely to play
Q: Player is not certain to play
NIR – Rest: Not injury-related or resting veteran

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GB @ ARZ | PIT @ CLE | CAR @ ATL | MIA @ BUF | SF @ CHITEN @ IND | CIN @ NYJ | PHI @ DET | LAR @ HOU | JAX @ SEANE @ LAC | TB @ NO |
WFT @ DEN | DAL @ MIN
NYG @ KC


Green Bay PackersArizona Cardinals (-6.5)

Name Team Injury Fantasy Rank Proj. points Mon. Status Tues. Status Wed. Status Game Status
Kyler Murray ARZ Right Finger QB3 26.1 LP FP FP (-)
DeAndre Hopkins ARZ Hamstring WR12 14.9 DNP DNP DNP Q
Josiah Deguara GB Finger 2.0 FP FP FP (-)
Darrell Daniels ARZ Hamstring 0.0 LP LP LP Q

The Over/Under for this game is currently 50.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns (-4)

Mario's Take:  Steelers TE Eric Ebron injured his hamstring in practice Thursday. He is out for Week 8, and I expect him to miss multiple weeks.

Browns WR Donovan Peoples-Jones was a DNP all week and has been ruled out for Week 8. He is dealing with a Grade 1 groin strain, which is a tough soft tissue injury to deal with at his position. RTP typically two to three weeks.

Andrew's Take: Rookie TE Pat Freiermuth should be considered for his seven catches for 58 yards on seven targets in the Steelers’ last game.

Freiermuth's target rate/route run was over 30%, and he earned more playing time than Eric Ebron. Viable streaming tight end and cheap DFS option for Week 8 with Ebron out entirely.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 42. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons (-3)

Name Position Team Injury Fantasy Rank Proj. points Wed. Status Thurs. Status Fri. Status Game Status
Giovanni Ricci RBP CAR Concussion 0.3 LP FP FP (-)
Spencer Brown RB CAR Back 0.0 DNP DNP DNP Q
Terrace Marshall Jr. WR CAR Concussion WR98 0.0 DNP DNP LP OUT

Mario's Take: Panthers Terrace Marshall Jr. is missing his second game with a concussion. He will play as soon as he can make it through the five-step concussion protocol. I expect him back next week.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 46.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills (-14)

Mario's Take: Bills TE Dawson Knox suffered a broken hand in Week 6 and underwent surgery. Expected RTP is four to six weeks. I expect Knox back in either Week 10 or Week 11.

Andrew's Take:  Gabriel Davis ($3,300 on DraftKings) has not done much this season because he’s been buried behind the Bills’ trio of stud receivers on the depth chart. Nevertheless, Davis is going to see more opportunities this week due to Knox‘s injury, as the team will now run more four-wide receiver sets. The Bills did as much after Knox exited during the fourth quarter of their last game with a hand injury.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 48.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


San Francisco 49ers @ Chicago Bears (+4)

Name Position Team Injury Fantasy Rank Proj. points Wed. Status Thurs. Status Fri. Status Game Status
Deebo Samuel WR SF Calf WR7 15.3 DNP LP FP (-)
Allen Robinson II WR CHI Ankle WR45 10.7 LP FP FP (-)
Trey Lance QB SF Knee QB32 2.1 LP LP FP (-)
Jesper Horsted TE CHI Knee 0.1 (-) (-) FP Q
J.P. Holtz TE CHI Quad 0.0 LP FP FP (-)

The Over/Under for this game is currently 39.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts (-2.5)

Mario's Take: Titans RB Darrynton Evans was placed on IR this week with a knee injury, and he will miss the remainder of the season. WR Julio Jones aggravated his hamstring injury in Week 7 and has been ruled out for Week 8. I expect Jones to miss two-to-three weeks.

Andrew's Take:  A.J. Brown’s DFS price hasn't moved much since last week, as he's priced at $6,900 for Week 8. The Titans No. 1 wide receiver owns a 33% target share since returning from injury three weeks ago. Without Jones, he will be the focal point of the Titans passing attack.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 51. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


Cincinnati Bengals @ New York Jets (+11)

Mario's Take: Jets TE Tyler Kroft is dealing with a back injury, but I expect him to play in Week 8. RB Tevin Coleman is missing his second straight game with a hamstring injury. I expect him back in the next week or two. QB Zach Wilson suffered a Grade 2 PCL sprain in Week 7. I expect him to miss two-to-four weeks. WR Corey Davis injured his hip during Thursday's practice, and I expect him to miss the next couple of weeks.

Bengals RB Chris Evans is missing his second straight game with a hamstring strain. I expect him back in the next week or two.

Andrew's Take:  Tevin Coleman was already being phased out of the Jets offense, so his absence does not drastically change the projections for the two-man platoon of Michael Carter and Ty Johnson in the New York backfield.

Carter does not have a super-high ceiling playing in a Mike White-led Jets passing attack. In addition, he is not going to see the same heavy workload with Johnson back in full after missing time last week due to a concussion evaluation. However, there’s no denying that White is going to target his running backs in the passing game — 40% of his pass attempts went to running backs, as Carter was targeted eight times.

The Jets rookie running back could still see a decent chunk of work through the air even with Johnson back in the fold, as the Bengals have allowed the most receptions, targets, and receiving yards to running backs this season.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 43. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


Philadelphia Eagles @ Detroit Lions (+3.5)

Mario's Take: Lions RBs D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams have their weekly questionable tag, but neither will miss Week 8.

Eagles RB Miles Sanders' lateral ankle sprain is severe enough to rule him out for Week 8. Philadelphia placed him on injured reserve, and he will miss at least the next three games. WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside has been dealing with a back issue, but I expect him to play in Week 8.

Andrew's Take: Kenneth Gainwellwas a hot-ticket waiver wire pickup this week after Miles Sanders was carted off the field against the Las Vegas Raiders. He seems guaranteed to handle the majority of reps as the pass-catching back — seven targets in Week 7 — and he has a great matchup versus the Detroit Lions in Week 8.

The Lions have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game and the league’s highest passer rating (139.2) to opposing running backs this season.

Gainwell should do enough to pay off his $5K price tag even while splitting carries with Boston Scott and Jordan Howard. Just be wary that the Eagles split goal-line touches between Scott and Jalen Hurts in their loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, as Gainwell has not been featured as a goal-line back.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 48. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


Los Angeles Rams @ Houston Texans (+16)

Name Position Team Injury Fantasy Rank Proj. points Wed. Status Thurs. Status Fri. Status Game Status
Brandin Cooks WR HST NIR – Rest WR23 15.8 LP (-) (-) (-)
Pharaoh Brown TE HST Thigh TE39 4.8 (-) LP DNP Q
Rex Burkhead RB HST Hip RB75 3.3 LP LP FP (-)
DeSean Jackson WR LA Rest WR78 0.0 (-) (-) DNP OUT
Deshaun Watson QB HST NIR 0.0 DNP DNP DNP OUT

Mario's Take: Texans TE Pharaoh Brown injured his thigh in Week 7. He is trending in the wrong direction, and I am pessimistic about his Week 8 availability.

Andrew's Take:  Start/Add Van Jefferson.

Jefferson not only ran a route on 93% of Matthew Stafford’s dropbacks in Week 7, but he also commanded 144 air yards and three deep targets. The second-year wide receiver checks all the boxes fantasy managers want for a potential plug-and-play wide receiver option or cheap DFS punt play.

As the Los Angeles Rams‘ primary deep threat, Jefferson has a chance to put up big numbers versus the Houston Texans. No defense has allowed a higher percentage of 20-plus air yard targets deemed open than the Texans.

With DeSean Jackson on the trade block, look for Jefferson's role to grow that much more.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 46.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


Jacksonville Jaguars @ Seattle Seahawks (-3.5)

Name Position Team Injury Fantasy Rank Proj. points Wed. Status Thurs. Status Fri. Status Game Status
Alex Collins RB SEA Groin RB24 12.1 LP DNP LP Q

Mario's Take: Seahawks RB Alex Collins is following the same trend as last week with his groin injury. I expect him to play in Week 8.

Andrew's Take: Collins remains a volume-based RB2 option for fantasy, but be wary that he does not have sole possession of the receiving role in Seattle's backfield.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 44.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


New England Patriots @ Los Angeles Chargers (-4)

Name Position Team Injury Fantasy Rank Proj. points Wed. Status Thurs. Status Fri. Status Game Status
Mike Williams WR LAC Knee WR10 17.3 FP FP FP (-)
Austin Ekeler RB LAC Hip RB3 17.0 (-) DNP DNP Q
Nick Folk K NE Left Knee K12 8.3 LP LP LP Q
Kendrick Bourne WR NE Shoulder WR63 7.5 LP LP LP Q
Jonnu Smith TE NE Shoulder TE25 7.4 LP LP LP Q

Mario's Take: Chargers RB Austin Ekeler is following the same timeline as earlier in the season when he was dealing with his hamstring. He has shown his participation in practice is irrelevant. I am optimistic Ekeler plays in Week 8.

Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne and TE Jonnu Smith are both dealing with shoulder issues. They have been limited participants all week, and I believe they have a good shot at playing in Week 8.

Andrew's Take: Jonnu Smith looked to have turned a corner in Week 7 with six targets on just nine routes run. His target rate per route run was one of the highest entering the week, so it’s not too surprising to see him get off to a good start versus the New York Jets. He likely would have smashed had he not been ruled out with an injury.

If he is healthy for Week 8, Smith is an awesome streamer versus the Los Angeles Chargers. The Bolts have allowed second-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. If he misses, Hunter Henry becomes a borderline top-10 option at the position.

If Ekeler misses, fantasy gamers are likely to witness an ugly three-headed committee between Joshua Kelley, Justin Jackson and Larry Rountree III. Desperate fantasy managers should look to Kelley first and foremost. He has played the most snaps the last two weeks. He will split early-down carries with LR3 and Jackson will work in on some passing downs.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 49.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints (+4.5)

Mario's Take: Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski is set to return from his rib injury. WR Antonio Brown has been ruled out with an ankle issue, and I believe he will miss multiple weeks.

Saints TE, I mean QB, Taysom Hill will miss Week 8 due to a concussion.

Andrew's Take:  The process was sound getting behind Tyler Johnson last week, as he directly filled in for Antonio Brown. The second-year wideout ran a route on over 70% of Brady’s dropbacks, but unfortunately, the target share concentrated around Godwin (32%) and Evans (29%). With Brown doubtful for Week 8, fantasy managers should have confidence that Johnson ($3,100 on DraftKings) will play a big role.

Gronkowski is coming back from injury, which could drastically suppress his DFS rostership. Buy the dip because he was leading all tight ends in fantasy points per game before his injury. Start him season-long leagues over tight end streamers.

Mark Ingram will play in this game, and eat in Alvin Kamara's carry totals. Take the under on Kamara's 60.5 rushing prop versus the vaunted Buccaneers defense that has allowed the fewest rushing yards per game to running backs this season.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 48.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


Washington Football Team @ Denver Broncos (-3)

Mario's Take: Washington Football Team WR Curtis Samuel will miss yet another game with his groin injury. This is an issue he will deal with all year until proven otherwise. WR Dyami Brown is out for Week 8, but I do not believe it will be a lengthy absence.

Andrew's Take: Jerry Jeudy at $4.9K is too cheap even though he hasn’t played football in over seven weeks. However, his Week 1 performance was too great to ignore.

The second-year wideout tied tight end Noah Fant with a team-leading seven targets and caught six balls for 72 receiving yards, which he did while running a route on just 59% of offensive dropbacks due to his injury.

Jeudy should also primarily operate from the slot with Sutton and Tim Patrick as the perimeter receivers. This works in Jeudy’s favor because Washington's defense ranks first in most receptions allowed to receivers lined up inside.

He’s my favorite play on the DFS slate if he's activated for game time.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 44.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings (-3)

Name Position Team Injury Fantasy Rank Proj. points Wed. Status Thurs. Status Fri. Status Game Status
Dak Prescott QB DAL Calf QB7 25.0 LP LP LP Q
Adam Thielen WR MIN Foot WR20 14.0 FP FP FP (-)
Cedrick Wilson WR DAL Shoulder WR64 6.7 FP FP FP (-)
Alexander Mattison RB MIN Shoulder RB49 5.9 FP FP FP (-)
Dede Westbrook WR MIN Ankle 3.0 DNP DNP LP Q
Ben Ellefson TE MIN Knee/Foot 0.6 LP DNP DNP OUT

Mario's Take: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott injured his calf in Week 6 before their bye. There is a high risk of reinjury, up to 16%. I believe it is in the Cowboys best interest to sit Dak and allow him to get to 100%. If they rest him, he should be ready to go in Week 9.

Vikings WR Dede Westbrook is a game-time decision for Week 8. He was a DNP all week until his limited tag on Friday. He has an outside shot at playing in Week 8.

Andrew's Take: Prescott is a true game-time decision, so add Daniel Jones (plays Monday night) as the No. 1 backup plan in case Dak is ruled out.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 51.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


New York GiantsKansas City Chiefs (-9.5)

Mario's Take: Giants WR Kadarius Toney is trending in the right direction with his ankle injury, and I expect him to have a good chance at playing in Week 8. TE Evan Engram is still dealing with his calf injury, but I expect him to play again in Week 8. RB Saquon Barkley is dealing with his nasty ankle injury, and I believe he is weeks away from playing. WR Kenny Golladay has a knee injury, and I expect him to miss yet another game. He has a shot at coming back in the next week or two.

Andrew's Take: No Barkley or Golladay. Start Booker, Shepard and Kadarius Toney if he goes. The rookie has gotten in limited practice this week.

The Over/Under for this game is currently 52. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.


 

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