2021 NFL Week 8 Injury Recap

Week 8 of the NFL season started with a COVID-19-stricken squad taking down the league's last unbeaten team and went on to feature injuries to multiple All Pros, blockbuster trades and a scary incident involving a stray bullet.

With the trade deadline fast approaching, here's a look at the biggest injury issues facing each team:

Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray is dealing with a sprained ankle following Thursday night's loss. According to Jay Glazer, the quarterback could need 1-3 weeks to recover. Murray seemed to be on an MVP pace, but will now be replaced by Colt McCoy under center until he is healthy.

McCoy is one of the most experienced backups in the NFL, 2021 marks his 11th season in the NFL. However, the 35-year-old has started just nine games since 2012, tossing 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions while completing over 65 percent of his passes.

Atlanta Falcons

Calvin Ridley has stepped away from the Falcons to take care of a personal matter that also forced him to miss Atlanta's game in London a few weeks ago. Ridley returned after the Falcons' bye, but is now out indefinitely after releasing a statement on Sunday.

Tajae Sharpe has received over five targets in both games Ridley has missed this season and should be counted on to take his snaps opposite Russell Gage at wide receiver. The former Titan is currently enjoying a resurgent season after getting just three targets in Minnesota last year. Sharpe's 1.49 yards per route run is a career-high.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens spent Week 8 on a bye, but linebacker Malik Harrison is currently in a Cleveland hospital after being struck by a stray bullet during a gathering this past weekend. Harrison's injuries aren't considered life-threatening.

The 2020 third-round pick started the first five games of the season, but saw his playing time drop in recent weeks in favor of 32-year-old Josh Bynes. Harrison is currently on the non-football injury list.

Buffalo Bills

Jon Feliciano suffered a calf injury on Sunday and is considered “week-to-week” according to Sean McDermott. Former second-round pick Cody Ford filled in for Feliciano for the final three plays of the game.

Ford was benched after he allowed 12 quarterback hurries in Week 3, but will get another shot to re-establish himself as a starter with Feliciano out.

Carolina Panthers

Sam Darnold was unable to finish the game for the second-straight week, although this time he is dealing with a concussion. XFL legend P.J. Walker filled in for Darnold again, but threw an incompletion on his only pass attempt. Darnold is currently in concussion protocol, so he can't be cleared to return until Thursday at the earliest.

Speaking of returns, the Panthers defense looked fantastic for the first time since Week 3, thanks to the return of Shaq Thompson and the debut of Stephon Gilmore. Both guys recorded an interception and the Panthers held the Falcons passing offense to a season-low 131 yards.

Chicago Bears

The Bears played without Khalil Mack on Sunday and the edge rusher is still “day-to-day” with a foot injury. The Bears defense allowed a season-high 467 yards of offense to the 49ers and Mack's replacement, Trevis Gipson, managed just one quarterback pressure on 19 opportunities.

Khalil Herbert has been a breakout star for the Bears, but the rest of the backfield is on the mend. David Montgomery is eligible to return from the IR, but Matt Nagy wasn't confident in his return being imminent. Damien Williams was also sidelined for most of Sunday with a sprained knee. There was no update on his condition either.

Chicago has also been dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak in recent weeks, but the situation is improving. Jimmy Graham was removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday, however Nagy and Germain Ifedi are both still away from the team.

Cincinnati Bengals

Rookie right guard Jackson Carman was carted off the field on Sunday after suffering a back injury. However, despite the scary scene, Carman is considered just “day-to-day” according to Zac Taylor.

It's been an up-and-down season for Carman, who was played well, but has played every snap in just three games so far. Trey Hill filled in for Carman on Sunday and also started at right guard in Week 6. The sixth-round rookie has just 60 snaps of NFL experience, but played in the SEC and hasn't allowed a quarterback pressure on 27 pass-blocking snaps.

Cleveland Browns

Jack Conklin is expected to miss multiple weeks after dislocating his elbow on Sunday against the Steelers. Despite the severity of the injury and the grim prognosis, this isn't expected to be a season-ending injury for the All-Pro right tackle.

It will be up to Blake Hance to fill Conklin's shoes on the right side of the Browns' offensive line. Hance really struggled on Sunday, albeit in a tough matchup with T.J. Watt. The third-year vet allowed four pressures and a sack in just 25 pass-blocking snaps.

Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott was just one of a few key Cowboys absent from Dallas's thrilling Sunday night victory. Tyron Smith left the game early due to a sprained ankle and despite a positive report from practice this week, Michael Gallup remains on the IR. Gallup's return could be big if Amari Cooper's hamstring injury continues to linger.

As for Smith, he underwent testing on Monday and the Cowboys don't think his injury is “significant.” Ty Nsekhe struggled to protect Cooper Rush's blindside, allowing four pressures and a sack. Reserve linebacker Jabril Cox tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the season.

Denver Broncos

Left tackle Garrett Bolles suffered a grade two high-ankle sprain on Sunday. The Broncos' schedule presents a tricky situation with their bye week looming after a pair of games against the Cowboys and the Eagles. If Bolles is put on the Injured Reserve, he will be forced to miss the Chargers game in Week 12, as well.

Calvin Anderson filled in for Bolles for the final three snaps against Washington and should be the starter at left tackle until Bolles heals up. Anderson has just two career starts under his belt, one of which came at left tackle against the Panthers last year. He allowed a pair of quarterback hits in the 32-27 win.

Detroit Lions

The Lions enter their bye week, relatively healthy, although they are licking their proverbial wounds after a 44-6 loss at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. None of Detroit's starters were injured, although Trey Flowers played just 20 snaps against the Eagles. The veteran linebacker has been dealing with a knee injury that has limited him in practice in recent weeks.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers wide receivers are getting back to action with Davante Adams expected to return from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday. Allen Lazard has already been activated and Marquez Valdes-Scantling looks to be on track to return from the IR this week.

Not all the news in Wisconsin is positive as Robert Tonyan tore his ACL on Thursday night and will miss the rest of the season. Second-year tight end Josiah Deguara is expected to start in his spot. The former third-round pick tore his own ACL after just two games last year, but did have two catches for 20 yards against the Cardinals, doubling his career production.

Houston Texans

Left tackle Laremy Tunsil has been out with a thumb injury since Week 5. At the time, it was reported he would play through the pain, but he was promptly put on the IR. Tunsil is eligible to return and according to David Culley, the left tackle is close to rejoining the team. But with only the Dolphins standing between Houston and its bye week, Tunsil may sit one more game before returning in Week 1o.

Tyrod Taylor is also considered “day-to-day” as he tries to return from the IR. Taylor has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2. The veteran QB was designated to return last week, but couldn't be ready by Sunday. It will be race against the clock again this week after another abysmal performance from Davis Mills.

Indianapolis Colts

T.Y. Hilton has had a tough time staying on the field this year. After starting the year on the IR following neck surgery, he returned in Week 6 only to suffer a quad injury and miss Week 7. Hilton again returned against the Titans, but a concussion knocked him out. He will miss the Colts' Thursday night contest against the Jets as he progresses through concussion protocol.

Michael Pittman Jr. and Zach Pascal have started every game at receiver for the Colts this season. Pittman has become Wentz's favorite target, catching 10 passes for 86 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Tennessee.

Jacksonville Jaguars

James Robinson suffered a foot injury on Sunday, but further testing revealed it wasn't too serious and his current status is “day-to-day.” Despite the Jaguars consistently falling short of Urban Meyer's goal to rush for 250 yards every week–they're 0-7 so far–Robinson has been very effective as a runner, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and ranking second in the NFL in rushing yards per attempt over expected.

If Robinson misses any time, Carlos Hyde will shoulder the load for the Jags rushing attack. Hyde is averaging 4.2 yards per carry on 33 rushing attempts this season.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs didn't suffer any new injuries in their win over the Giants, but Anthony Hitchens (triceps) and Khalen Saunders (knee) were both inactive on defense.

Offensively, right tackle Mike Remmers was inactive after being listed as questionable with a knee injury. Rookie third-round pick Lucas Niang started for the sixth time this season.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders enjoyed their bye week this weekend. We are still waiting for updates on Darren Waller (ankle), who was inactive last week, and Josh Jacobs, who was unable to finish the game after suffering a chest contusion.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers secondary took a couple of hits on Sunday. Rookie Asante Samuel Jr. suffered a concussion and Michael Davis bowed out with a hamstring injury. Tevaughn Campbell and Ryan Smith finished the game at outside corner with Chris Harris Jr. working in the slot.

Samuel Jr. is still progressing through concussion protocol and Davis is considered “day-to-day” with his hamstring. The Chargers backups did play well against the Patriots, allowing just four catches for 38 yards on nine targets.

Los Angeles Rams

Both Andrew Whitworth and Sebastian Joseph-Day are expected to return after sitting out Sunday's win over Houston. Unfortunately, the news isn't as great for rookie receiver Tutu Atwell who will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

The Rams made big news on Monday, trading for All-Pro linebacker Von Miller. The former Bronco played a season-low 33 snaps on Sunday after suffering an ankle injury. He is expected to suit up for Los Angeles this weekend, provided his ankle is good to go.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins didn't suffer any new injuries on Sunday, however, they also didn't receive any good news regarding their players on the IR. Neither William Fuller V nor Michael Deiter is expected to return to practice this week.

Minnesota Vikings

Danielle Hunter will miss the rest of the season after suffering a pectoral injury on Sunday night. With defensive tackle Michael Pierce dealing with an elbow injury, the Vikings defensive line has become very thin within the last week.

D.J. Wonnum should get the start at defensive end with Hunter out for the year. The second-year player has just one sack and eight pressures in 206 pass-rushing opportunities this season.

New England Patriots

The Patriots didn't suffer any new injuries on Sunday, although left tackle Isaiah Wynn did miss some time in the third quarter before returning later in the game. Wynn has spent time on the reserve/COVID-19 list this season, but has been pretty healthy otherwise. It'll be tough evaluating the team's health with New England now listing every Massachusetts resident on their weekly injury reports.

New Orleans Saints

Jameis Winston tore his ACL on Sunday and will miss the rest of the 2021 season. The Saints are also without Taysom Hill, who is still in concussion protocol, so Trevor Siemian is at the top of the depth chart right now.

However, it seems that Hill could clear protocol this week and will be elevated to the starting spot if he's healthy. Hill went 3-1 as the Saints starter last year in relief of Drew Brees, completing 72% of his passes and throwing four touchdowns and two interceptions.

New York Giants

Perhaps no position group has been as banged up as the Giants wide receivers this year and Monday night was no different. Playing without Kenny Golladay (hip) for the third straight week, the Giants also lost Sterling Shepard to a quad injury and rookie Kadarius Toney missed time after injuring his thumb.

It isn't all bad news for the Giants as Saquon Barkley told Lisa Salters that he hopes to be ready to go against the Raiders in Week 9.

New York Jets

The Jets have a quick turnaround after their stunning victory over the Bengals on Sunday. Mike White will make his second start on Thursday night after throwing for 405 yards and three touchdowns with Zach Wilson still nursing a knee injury.

Neither Corey Davis nor George Fant was considered participants in Monday's simulated practice, but Robert Saleh told reporters he hasn't ruled them out yet. Davis was inactive on Sunday after injuring his hip in practice last week.

Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Reagor was effective as a runner in the first quarter of the Eagles' victory on Sunday, but he was carted off the field after slipping on a goal-line carry. His ankle injury isn't considered serious, but Nick Sirianni wouldn't commit to his availability next week against the Chargers.

The former first-round pick had seen his snaps decrease in recent weeks in favor of Quez Watkins, who should be a full-time starter opposite DeVonta Smith in the Eagles offense with Reagor out. Watkins leads all Eagles wide receivers in yards per route run and passer rating when targeted.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers tried to get tricky in the first quarter on Sunday, but instead of converting the fake field goal, they ended up putting Chris Boswell in concussion protocol. However, the kicker seems to be in good spirits following the brutal hit.

With Boswell in concussion protocol, the Steelers might have to add a kicker to their practice squad just as a precaution.

San Francisco 49ers

Jimmie Ward is expected to miss at least one week after suffering a quad strain on Sunday. Tavon Wilson replaced Ward on Sunday and recorded a pass break-up on his only target in coverage.

Ward is the 49ers' longest-tenured player, but has struggled with injuries throughout his career, never playing more than 14 games in a season.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks will enjoy their bye week after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. According to Pete Carroll, Chris Carson and Russell Wilson are expected to return to the practice field when the team starts practicing again and have a shot of playing in Week 10.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Rob Gronkowski returned from his rib injury on Sunday, but suffered from back spasms and couldn't finish the game. The tight end has a long history of back issues in his career, including three different surgeries since entering the NFL.

Entering a bye in Week 9, Bruce Arians was also unsure if his starting cornerbacks, Carlton Davis and Sean Murphy-Bunting, would be returning from the IR when the team plays again in Week 10.

Tennessee Titans

Derrick Henry is headed to the IR and will undergo surgery to correct a foot injury. He is expected to miss at least six weeks while recovering.

With Henry out for the foreseeable future, the Titans signed Adrian Peterson to their practice squad with the expectation of adding him to the active roster once he's in game shape. The Titans lead the NFL in rushing attempts, but Henry has accounted for over 90 percent of them. In fact, new starting running back Jeremy McNichols has just seven carries for 38 yards.

Washington Football Team

Center Chase Roullier was forced to exit Sunday's loss early due to an ankle injury. Washington is entering its bye week, but Roullier could be out for a while; the initial diagnosis was a fractured fibula.

Replacement Tyler Larsen earned the second-highest pass-blocking grade on the team against Denver. A six-year veteran, Larsen hasn't started a game since 2018.

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