This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 8 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.
We're set for a big Week 8 slate that has all but two teams in action, and the injury report is quite robust as well. The receiver position is once again the one that's most heavily populated with walking wounded, although there is a very prominent Fantasy asset at quarterback whose status appears set to come down to the wire. Without further ado, let's look at the latest as of early Sunday morning:
QUARTERBACKS
The Cowboys' Dak Prescott (calf) is questionable for Sunday night's game against the Vikings after practicing in limited fashion all week. The calf strain is one that Prescott suffered back in Week 6 on the final play of an overtime win over the Patriots, and as per early Sunday reports, the star quarterback's status will come down to pregame warmups and the team will not risk further injury to him if there is any doubt about his ability to play through the issue. If Prescott is forced to sit out against Minnesota, Cooper Rush will earn the start and the Fantasy outlook of Dallas' pass catchers will naturally see an overall downgrade.
The Browns' Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is off the injury report and will start Sunday's game against the Steelers after missing a Week 7 win over the Broncos.
This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 8 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.
We're set for a big Week 8 slate that has all but two teams in action, and the injury report is quite robust as well. The receiver position is once again the one that's most heavily populated with walking wounded, although there is a very prominent Fantasy asset at quarterback whose status appears set to come down to the wire. Without further ado, let's look at the latest as of early Sunday morning:
QUARTERBACKS
The Cowboys' Dak Prescott (calf) is questionable for Sunday night's game against the Vikings after practicing in limited fashion all week. The calf strain is one that Prescott suffered back in Week 6 on the final play of an overtime win over the Patriots, and as per early Sunday reports, the star quarterback's status will come down to pregame warmups and the team will not risk further injury to him if there is any doubt about his ability to play through the issue. If Prescott is forced to sit out against Minnesota, Cooper Rush will earn the start and the Fantasy outlook of Dallas' pass catchers will naturally see an overall downgrade.
The Browns' Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is off the injury report and will start Sunday's game against the Steelers after missing a Week 7 win over the Broncos. Mayfield practiced in limited fashion the first two days of the practice week before putting in a full session Friday. Case Keenum, who helped led the victory over Denver, is available as his backup should Mayfield suffer a setback.
The Jets' Zach Wilson (knee) is out for Sunday's game against the Bengals after missing practice all week. With recent arrival/returnee Joe Flacco expected to be a healthy scratch after only arriving at team facilities Friday, Mike White, who threw for 202 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in the Week 7 loss to the Patriots after Wilson's exit, will get the start versus Cincinnati.
The Saints' Taysom Hill (concussion) will remain out for Sunday's divisional clash against the Buccaneers after failing to practice all week. Trevor Siemian will once again serve as Jameis Winston's backup versus Seattle, while more red-zone rushing work could be available for Alvin Kamara with Hill not around to fill his occasional rushing role.
RUNNING BACKS
The Giants' Saquon Barkley (ankle) is out for Monday night's game against the Chiefs after once again missing practice all week. Devontae Booker, who's logged 51 total touches (42 rushing, nine receiving) over the last two-plus games as Barkley's replacement, will once again handle lead-back duties versus Kansas City.
The Chargers' Austin Ekeler (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots after missing the last two practices of the week. However, as per early Sunday morning reports, Ekeler will suit up and play against New England in his usual starting role. If he were to suffer a pregame or in-game setback, more opportunities would be available for Joshua Kelley, Justin Jackson and Larry Rountree.
The Seahawks' Alex Collins (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against Washington after sandwiching two limited practices around a missed Thursday session. As per late-week reports, head coach Pete Carroll expects Collins to be able to suit up. Rashaad Penny, DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer would be in line to handle rushing work were Collins to have a setback or be limited during the contest.
The Eagles' Miles Sanders (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for the next three games at minimum. In his stead, Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell are expected to carry the bulk of the rushing load, while veteran Jordan Howard, who was promoted from the practice squad, could see his share of short-yardage and goal-line opportunities.
The Lions' D'Andre Swift (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles after practicing in limited fashion all week. Swift has continued to play through the injury since the start of the season and is expected to do again versus Philadelphia as per early Sunday morning reports.
The Lions' Jamaal Williams (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles after finishing the week with two limited practices. If Williams is unable to suit up, Godwin Igwebuike would be in line to serve as D'Andre Swift's backup.
The Jets' Tevin Coleman (hamstring) is out for Sunday's contest versus the Bengals. Michael Carter and Ty Johnson will helm New York's backfield against Cincinnati.
The Bengals' Chris Evans (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against the Jets after missing practice all week. Trayveon Williams is in line to serve as the third running back for Cincinnati on Sunday as a result.
WIDE RECEIVERS
The Giants' Kenny Golladay (knee) is out for Monday night's game against the Chiefs after once again missing practice all week. With Kadarius Toney (ankle) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring) also questionable, the receiving corps could potentially be helmed once again by Darius Slayton, Dante Pettis and John Ross.
The Browns' Odell Beckham (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers after practicing in limited fashion all week. Beckham played through the injury in a Week 7 Thursday night win over the Broncos, but as per early Sunday morning reports, he's expected to suit up and start versus Pittsburgh.
The Titans' Julio Jones (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against the Colts after missing practice all week. As a result, A.J. Brown should be in line for even more volume than usual, while Chester Rogers and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are in line to serve as the No. 2 and No. 3 receivers, respectively.
The Buccaneers' Antonio Brown (ankle) is out for Sunday's game versus the Saints after missing practice all week. In his absence, Tyler Johnson would be in line to once again serve as the No. 3 receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
The Jets' Corey Davis (hip) is doubtful for Sunday's game versus the Bengals after finishing the week by missing Friday's practice. In his likely absence, Jamison Crowder, Elijah Moore and Keelan Cole are expected to serve as the top three receiving options for Mike White, who'll start in place of Zach Wilson (knee).
The Colts' T.Y. Hilton (quadriceps) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans but managed to work back to a full practice by Friday. As per early Sunday morning reports, the team is optimistic the veteran receiver will return after a one-game absence. Should that not be the case, Asthton Dulin should see work as a No. 3 wideout behind Michael Pittman and Zach Pascal.
The Dolphins' DeVante Parker (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills after practicing in limited fashion all week. As per Sunday morning reports, Parker is expected to return from a three-game absence and work alongside Jaylen Waddle as one of Tua Tagovailoa's top receiving options.
The Giants' Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Chiefs after practicing in limited fashion all week. With Kenny Golladay (knee) already ruled out again and Kadarius Toney (ankle) also questionable, Darius Slayton may be in line to serve as New York's top wideout if Shepard is unable to go.
The Giants' Kadarius Toney (ankle) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Chiefs after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Toney is unable to suit up, Darius Slayton, John Ross and Dante Pettis could all see more opportunity against Kansas City.
The Patriots' Kendrick Bourne (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers after practicing limited fashion all week. If Bourne sits out, N'Keal Harry would bump up to No. 3 receiver duties behinds starters Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor.
The Browns' Donovan Peoples-Jones (groin) is out for Sunday's game against the Steelers after missing practice all week. In his absence, Rashard Higgins should bump up to full-time No. 3 receiver duties versus Pittsburgh.
The Rams' DeSean Jackson (team decision) is out for Sunday's game versus the Texans after he and the team have mutually agreed on seeking a trade partner. In his absence against Houston, rookie second-round pick Tutu Atwell should bump up to the No. 4 receiver role.
The Saints' Deonte Harris (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers but managed to practice in limited fashion Thursday and Friday. If he were to sit out, Willie Snead would bump up to No. 3 receiver duties behind Marquez Calloway and Tre'Quan Smith.
Washington's Dyami Brown (knee) is out for Sunday's game versus the Broncos after missing practice all week. In his absence, Cam Sims would fill the No. 3 receiver role if he's able to suit up with a hamstring issue that has him listed as questionable, while DeAndre Carter could also see some extra targets.
Washington's Curtis Samuel (groin) is out for Sunday's game versus the Broncos. In Samuel's ongoing absence, Adam Humphries, Cam Sims (hamstring) and DeAndre Carter should see more opportunities behind top wideout Terry McLaurin.
The Dolphins' Preston Williams (undisclosed) did not make the trip to Buffalo for Sunday's game against the Bills. In his absence, Mack Hollins should bump up to No. 3 receiver duties.
The Panthers' Terrace Marshall (concussion) remains out for Sunday's game against the Falcons. Journeyman Alex Erickson and rookie Shi Smith could be in line for more work behind starters DJ Moore and Robby Anderson as a result.
TIGHT ENDS
The Buccaneers' Rob Gronkowski (ribs) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints after practicing in limited fashion all week. As per early Sunday morning reports, Gronkowski is expected to suit up and play. If he suffers any setback, the duo of Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard will take on more work.
The Steelers' Eric Ebron (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against the Browns after finishing the week with a missed Friday practice. Rookie Pat Freiermuth, who's already seen an increased role in recent weeks, will take over starting duties versus Cleveland.
The Bills' Dawson Knox (hand) is out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins after missing practice all week. Tommy Sweeney, who has 12 career catches, will serve as Buffalo's top tight end against Miami.
The Giants' Evan Engram (calf) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Chiefs after practicing in limited fashion all week. If he's unable to suit up, veteran Kyle Rudolph will handle starting tight end duties for New York.
The Patriots' Jonnu Smith (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers after practicing in limited fashion all week. If he were to sit out, more opportunities would be available for Hunter Henry against his old team.
The Texans' Pharaoh Brown (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Rams after finishing the week with a missed Friday practice. If he's unable to suit up versus Los Angeles, Jordan Akins will handle starting tight end duties against Los Angeles.
The Bears' Jimmy Graham remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list as a result of a positive test heading into Sunday's game against the 49ers, which projects to once again lead to Jesse James serving as the backup behind Cole Kmet at tight end.
KICKERS
The Patriots' Nick Folk (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers after practicing in limited fashion all week. Folk has been playing through his knee issue for multiple games and is expected to suit up against Los Angeles.
KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Cornerbacks
The Browns' Denzel Ward (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against the Steelers.
The Rams' Jalen Ramsey (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams.
The Buccaneers' Richard Sherman (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints.
The Panthers' CJ Henderson (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons.
The Panthers' Stephon Gilmore (quadriceps) was activated from the PUP list Saturday and should play against the Falcons on Sunday.
Safeties
The Jets' Ashtyn Davis (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
The Patriots' Kyle Dugger (neck) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers.
The Bears' Tashaun Gipson (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers.
The Eagles' Anthony Harris (hand) is doubtful for Sunday's contest against the Lions.
The 49ers' Jaquiski Tartt (knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for the next three games at minimum.
Defensive Linemen
The Bears' Akiem Hicks (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers.
The Browns' Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Browns.
The 49ers' Dee Ford (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Bears.
Linebackers
The Chiefs' Anthony Hitchens (triceps) is out for Monday night's contest against the Giants.
The Panthers' Shaq Thompson (foot) is questionable for Sunday's contest against the Falcons.
The Patriots' Kyle Van Noy (groin) is questionable to face the Chargers on Sunday.
The Lions' Trey Flowers (knee) is questionable to face the Eagles on Sunday.
The Bears' Khalil Mack (foot) is out for Sunday's game versus the 49ers.
The Buccaneers' Lavonte David (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints.
The Buccaneers' Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Saints.
The Patriots' Dont'a Hightower (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers.
The Jets' C.J. Mosley (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Bengals.
The Broncos' Von Miller (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game versus Washington.
The Dolphins' Jerome Baker (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills.
The Titans' Rashaan Evans (ankle) is out for Sunday's game versus the Colts.
The Texans' Christian Kirksey (thumb) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Rams.
The Chargers' Drue Tranquill (chest) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots.
