As Week 8 of the NFL season approaches, fantasy managers are monitoring several key injury situations. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson practiced in full on Wednesday, increasing confidence in his return against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have allowed 29 or more points in all but one game this season, making Jackson a top-six quarterback option upon return. His availability also elevates Zay Flowers to a top-five receiver and boosts Derrick Henry back into the top 12 at running back.
Key Injury Updates
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka remains in concussion protocol and will miss Week 8, elevating Chris Godwin to a high-floor WR3 and increasing targets for Bucky Irving. Saquon Barkley returned to practice Friday and intends to play Sunday, though he is not expected to be at full strength against a tough Washington Commanders run defense. Barkley is considered a borderline RB2. Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks missed Friday practice and are unlikely to play, making Makai Lemon a WR3 option and Dallas Goedert a must-start tight end.
A.J. Brown missed practice Thursday and Friday after a limited Wednesday session, casting doubt on his Week 8 status. He is listed as questionable but has been removed from rankings due to concerns about his rest-of-season value. For the New England Patriots, Demario Douglas emerges as the preferred wide receiver, while Hunter Henry and Drake Maye are the only certain starters. Rhamondre Stevenson is a low-end RB2 in a favorable matchup, especially if TreVeyon Henderson (illness) remains sidelined.
Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren has cleared concussion protocol and returns as a top-five tight end and must-start. His presence slightly downgrades Keenan Allen to a WR3 in full PPR formats. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is projected for 12 touches and serves as a flex option, similar to Tyler Allgeier.
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears and wide receiver Carnell Tate both missed Friday practice and are unlikely to play, leaving Tony Pollard as a workhorse RB2. With Tate out, Wan'Dale Robinson profiles as a high-end WR3 in full PPR. Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey progressed through concussion protocol with a full Thursday practice but faces a difficult matchup against the Rams; the Chargers offense is not recommended this week.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore practiced in a non-contact jersey for a second consecutive day due to a shoulder injury. If he plays, he is a WR2 with upside in a potential shootout against the Ravens; if out, Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir become attractive WR3 options. Tight end Dalton Kincaid (chest) is expected to play but should be confirmed Sunday morning. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will return from a hamstring injury per coach Andy Reid, but faces a tough Denver Broncos defense with Patrick Surtain II expected back. Rice is a WR3 in a difficult matchup, while his return hurts Xavier Worthy's value.
Seattle Seahawks may have both Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price available, creating a confusing backfield where no runner should be viewed as more than a flex. New York Jets running back Breece Hall was limited again and will be questionable; if he sits, Braelon Allen is a must-start RB2, while a Hall return would create a timeshare with both as borderline RB2s.
