Top five NFL injuries and contingency plans for Week 8

Injury Updates for NFL Week 8

The NFL Week 8 matchup brings with it several injury concerns that could significantly impact player performances. Let’s take a closer look at the latest updates regarding key players across the league.

Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill (Foot) vs. jplay online casino login Arizona Cardinals

Date/Time: Sunday, 1:00 pm Eastern

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill has been added to the injury report due to a foot injury. It is common for teams to limit the practice involvement of veteran players as a precaution; however, additions to the injury report midweek typically indicate an injury sustained during practice. Hill’s participation in Friday’s practice will likely ease concerns, but his availability for Week 8 remains uncertain.

Miami’s second wide receiver, Jaylen Waddle (quad), has been participating in limited practice through Thursday. If Hill cannot play, Waddle is expected to lead the team in targets -4. Additionally, third wide receiver Malik Washington has had more offensive snaps in the last two weeks than any other wide receiver on the team, according to Pro Football Focus.

Miami tight end Jonnu Smith may serve as an effective alternative for those looking to fill in for Hill’s potential absence. Among the 32 NFL tight ends with at least 100 receiving snaps, Smith is sixth in target rate (22.9%) and fifth in yards per route run (2.00). The Arizona Cardinals’ tight end coverage unit ranks 13th in yards allowed per coverage snap (7.94).

Seattle Seahawks WR DK Metcalf (Grade 1 MCL Sprain) vs. Buffalo Bills

Date/Time: Sunday, 4:05 pm Eastern

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Seattle Seahawks’ primary wide receiver DK Metcalf suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain in Week 7, putting his availability for Week 8 at risk. Notably, rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze of the Chicago Bears managed to play after a similar injury in the previous season. jolina dela cruz high school Physical therapist Jeff Mueller has pointed out that Seattle has a bye in Week 10, suggesting they could opt to rest Metcalf until then. However, if he plays in Week 8, he will face strong coverage from the Buffalo Bills’ No. 1 cornerback, Rasul Douglas.

Fantasy managers looking to take advantage of Metcalf’s possible absence may consider starting tight end Noah Fant, depending on the health of linebacker Terrel Bernard, linebacker Dorian Williams, and safety Taylor Rapp. The Bills’ run-coverage unit also has the second-highest explosive pass play rate allowed in the league (19.6%).

San Francisco 49ers WR, RB, and TE Injuries vs. Dallas Cowboys

Date/Time: Sunday, 8:20 pm Eastern

The San Francisco 49ers are set to be without running back Christian McCaffrey (bilateral Achilles tendinitis) and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (ACL and MCL tears, injured reserve) against the Dallas Cowboys. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings is also sidelined, while Deebo Samuel (wrist/pneumonia) returned to practice in limited capacity but may have a reduced snap count. Tight end George Kittle tends to play through injuries but could also be limited.

Dallas’ run defense stands at the tenth-deepest tackle depth (4.56) while permitting the most expected points added (EPA) per play (0.155). Coach Kyle Shanahan is likely to rely heavily on running back Jordan Mason given the team’s current roster challenges.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR and RB Injuries vs. Atlanta Falcons

Date/Time: Sunday, 1:00 pm Eastern

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the loss of their top two wide receivers after Week 7. No. bj andrade related to ildefonso 1 wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is not expected to return for multiple weeks, and slot receiver Chris Godwin (dislocated ankle) has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Rising rookie running back Bucky Irving (toe) missed practices this week, likely reducing the team’s backfield to a two-player rotation.

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With both Evans and Godwin sidelined, tight end Cade Otton becomes crucial, and he ranks third on the team in first-read targets (28) champion megamall. He could see an increase in targets, especially against the Falcons’ tight end-coverage unit, which ranks low in explosive pass plays allowed (19.1%).

Baltimore Ravens WR Zay Flowers (Ankle) @ Cleveland Browns

Date/Time: Sunday, 1:00 pm Eastern

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers injured his right ankle in Week 7, raising concerns about a potential high-ankle sprain. According to injury data, only a small percentage of wide receivers manage to avoid missing games after such injuries. With Flowers not practicing on Wednesday and Thursday, a Week 8 absence appears likely.

Fantasy managers may want to consider pivoting to Baltimore’s No. 2 wide receiver, Rashod Bateman, who has been performing steadily and ranks highly in various metrics. Bateman’s breakout could prove invaluable if Flowers is ruled out.

How will these injury updates affect your fantasy lineup strategy this week?