The NFL's Week 8 injury landscape features a mix of encouraging returns and significant absences as teams prepare for Thursday night and Sunday games. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson practiced fully on Wednesday for the first time since an ankle injury sidelined him for three games, signaling a likely return against the Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions opened All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph's 21-day practice window; he participated in a limited session after missing the final 11 games of the 2025 season with a degenerative knee condition.
Thursday Night Football: Panthers at Packers
The Carolina Panthers will be without linebacker Jaelan Phillips (hamstring), cornerback Akayleb Evans (triceps/knee), guard Damien Lewis (knee), and backup guard Torricelli Simpkins (ankle). The Green Bay Packers are also depleted: middle linebacker Zaire Franklin (shin) is out for a second straight game, center Sean Rhyan (ankle) and right guard Travis Glover (knee) are ruled out, forcing a new offensive line combination. Wide receiver Matthew Golden (shoulder/foot), who ranks 10th in the NFL with 512 receiving yards, is questionable after limited practice Wednesday.
Key Matchup Updates
Ravens at Bills: Jackson's full practice is a major boost. Baltimore also held out defensive lineman Calais Campbell (veteran rest), safety Kyle Hamilton (knee), safety Jaylinn Hawkins (knee), guard Olaivavega Ioane (knee), and linebacker Roquan Smith (knee). Buffalo listed only offensive tackle Spencer Brown (back) as a non-participant, with several starters limited.
Titans at Bengals: Tennessee had four players miss practice, including wide receiver Carnell Tate (shoulder), punter Tommy Townsend (knee), running back Tyjae Spears (knee), and defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (groin). Cincinnati rested wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (ankle) and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, while safety Kyle Dugger (quadricep) also sat out.
Cardinals at Cowboys: Arizona had nine players absent Wednesday, notably running back Tyler Allgeier (toe), safety Budda Baker (rest), and linebacker Zaven Collins (illness). Dallas held a walkthrough with only wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (ribs) and linebacker Dee Winters (calf) not participating.
Vikings at Lions: Minnesota listed three players, with running back Aaron Jones (knee) and guard Joe Huber (knee) not practicing. Detroit's lengthy list included running back Jahmyr Gibbs (shoulder), edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (rest), left tackle Penei Sewell (rest), and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle), though Joseph's return provides a defensive lift.
Other notable situations: The Philadelphia Eagles are missing six players, including running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring/back) and three wide receivers. The Pittsburgh Steelers held out cornerback Jalen Ramsey (wrist) and edge rusher T.J. Watt (rest). Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) practiced fully, while cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (personal/knee) was the lone non-participant.
