Week 7 is in the books, and while some teams are hoping to ride hot starts into the postseason, others are struggling with injury-depleted rosters and dimming hopes.
We will have injury analysis for all 32 NFL teams later in the week, but here are the biggest injury stories coming out of Week 7.
Also, be sure to bookmark our NFL Injured Reserve Tracker, which will be updated weekly throughout the season.
Biggest NFL Week 7 Injuries:
Chris Godwin, WR, Bucs
Mike Evans, WR, Bucs
Tampa Bay suffered two major blows to their receiving corps on Monday night.
First, Mike Evans exited in the first half with an apparent hamstring injury.
A hamstring issue forced him to miss two practices heading into that game, and it is fair to assume he will miss some time.
The crushing blow came right at the end of the game when Chris Godwin suffered what will almost certainly be a season-ending ankle injury.
After the game, Todd Bowles confirmed Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle.
Trey Palmer, Jalen McMillan, and Sterling Shepard were the next guys up on Monday night, and the Bucs will likely look to add some help until Evans is ready to return.
Deshaun Watson, QB, Cleveland Browns
Deshaun Watson is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering an Achilles injury on Sunday.
The Browns will now have to decide if Jameis Winston or Dorian Thompson-Robinson gets to start moving forward.
Winston was the team's primary backup in each of the first six weeks but was inactive in favor of Thompson-Robinson on Sunday.
DTR went 1-3 in four starts with the Browns last year and completed just 11 of his 24 pass attempts in the loss to the Bengals before leaving with a finger injury of his own.
Winston has started just 10 games since leaving the Buccaneers in 2019.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
JuJu Smith-Schuster was questionable heading into Week 7 after experiencing hamstring spasms during practice on Thursday.
He managed to play just seven snaps before aggravating the injury and exiting the game.
The Chiefs receiving corps has been hit hard with injuries this year.
Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice have already been ruled out for the season. In fact, Travis Kelce is the only healthy Chief averaging over 40 receiving yards per game.
Andy Reid didn't seem too concerned with Smith-Schuster's status during his postgame press conference, but the receiver has already been ruled out of Week 8.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Brandon Aiyuk won't be returning this year after tearing his ACL in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs.
Despite not putting up huge numbers, Aiyuk was the 49ers' most-targeted receiver this year, catching 25 of his 47 targets for 374 yards.
Jauan Jennings has been the team's leading receiver this year despite missing Week 7 with a hip injury.
He should step into the Aiyuk role while Deebo Samuel and George Kittle likely will see a few more targets sent their way.
DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks
DK Metcalf suffered a sprained MCL on Sunday and will probably miss some time as he recovers.
With Metcalf out, Geno Smith should turn to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett in the passing game.
Both receivers had six targets in the win over the Falcons, combining for seven catches and 54 yards.
Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels is dealing with bruised ribs and has been classified as week-to-week by Dan Quinn, who noted the team would be cautious in the rookie's recovery plan.
If Daniels misses time, it will be Marcus Mariota under center.
Mariota completed 78 percent of his passes in relief of Daniels against the Panthers on Sunday, averaging 8.9 yards per attempt and tossing 2 touchdowns.
Full injury analysis for all 32 NFL teams will be available below on Wednesday!
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Here's a team-by-team breakdown of where everyone stands heading into the eighth week of the regular season.
Arizona Cardinals Injury Analysis:
Rookie first-round pick Darius Robinson will remain out this week as he continues to deal with a calf injury.
Robinson is on the IR, but was designated to return on October 9th. He will have to be activated next week or else will be inactive for the rest of the year.
Atlanta Falcons Injury Analysis:
Justin Simmons is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Bucs after sitting out Friday's practice due to a hamstring injury.
Simmons was previously limited in practice with the same injury, but was downgraded on Friday.
Baltimore Ravens Injury Analysis:
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey suffered a knee injury in Week 7, but it isn't expected to be a long-term issue. However, his status for this week remains in question.
The Ravens did designate Jalyn Armour-Davis to return from the IR this week, he missed four games due to a hamstring injury. His return for this week is not certain, but could be a good boost if Humphrey misses time.
Buffalo Bills Injury Analysis:
Both of the Bills' top tight ends were limited in Thursday's practice as Dawson Knox deals with an ankle injury and Dalton Kincaid recovers from a collarbone injury.
Knox has been limited to just five catches this season as 2023 first-round-pick Kincaid has become the top tight end in the passing game. We will have to wait for Friday's injury report to see if both guys will be active against the Seahawks, but it's certainly leaning that way.
Carolina Panthers Injury Analysis:
Bryce Young will be back under center for the Panthers this week as Andy Dalton recovers from a car accident he was in on Tuesday with his family.
Young could also have Adam Thielen back after he was designated to return from the IR. Thielen was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
Chicago Bears Injury Analysis:
Cornerback Kyler Gordon will be inactive this week after injuring his hamstring against the Jaguars.
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Analysis:
Tee Higgins was a late add to the Bengals injury report after suffering a quad injury during practice on Friday. He's officially questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles.
In his last three games, Higgins has 20 catches for 242 yards and three touchdowns on 29 targets.
Cleveland Browns Injury Analysis:
Deshaun Watson is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering an Achilles injury on Sunday.
The Browns will now turn to Jameis Winston as their starting quarterback.
Winston was the team's primary backup in each of the first six weeks but was inactive in favor of Dorian Thompson-Robinson on Sunday.
DTR went 1-3 in four starts with the Browns last year and completed just 11 of his 24 pass attempts in the loss to the Bengals before leaving with a finger injury of his own.
Winston has started just 10 games since leaving the Buccaneers in 2019.
Dallas Cowboys Injury Analysis:
Despite entering the week hopeful for a return against the 49ers, Micah Parsons has yet to participate in practice and seems to be on his way to missing yet another game.
However, Mike McCarthy did say his status is “up in the air” so maybe that's a shred of hope.
Denver Broncos Injury Analysis:
Pat Surtain II was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and is on-track to graduate from concussion protocol prior to Sunday's game against the Panthers.
Elsewhere, Josh Reynolds was the victim of a shooting last week and was released from the hospital after sustaining minor injuries. Reynolds is currently on the IR, recovering from finger surgery.
Detroit Lions Injury Analysis:
The Lions have maintained they are optimistic Aidan Hutchinson could be back in time for the Super Bowl, should their season go that far.
Hutchinson is already on the IR, recovering from a broken leg he suffered two weeks ago.
Green Bay Packers Injury Analysis:
Cornerback Jaire Alexander has been limited in practice again this week due to a groin injury. However, he played every snap against the Texans in Week 7 and should be active unless there is a setback this weekend.
Houston Texans Injury Analysis:
Nico Collins won't be eligible to return from the IR until November 10th, but the Texans believe his recovery is on-track and he should be back on the field as soon as he is eligible.
Collins has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in early October.
Indianapolis Colts Injury Analysis:
After missing three games with an ankle injury, Jonathan Taylor returned to practice as a full participant.
Taylor admitted he did feel some soreness after practice, but wanted to think positive thoughts about his availability for Week 8 against the Texans. It seems like he will be on the field this weekend, depending on how Friday's practice goes.
Jacksonville Jaguars Injury Analysis:
Travis Etienne sat out Week 7 due to a hamstring injury, but has been limited in practice so far this week.
If Etienne is able to get on the field against the Packers this week, he will have to compete for carries with Tank Bigsy who rushed 26 times for 118 yards and two touchdowns in last week's win over the Patriots.
Kansas City Chiefs Injury Analysis:
JuJu Smith-Schuster was questionable heading into Week 7 after experiencing hamstring spasms during practice on Thursday.
He managed to play just seven snaps before aggravating the injury and exiting the game.
The Chiefs receiving corps has been hit hard with injuries this year.
Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice have already been ruled out for the season. In fact, Travis Kelce is the only healthy Chief averaging over 40 receiving yards per game.
Andy Reid didn't seem too concerned with Smith-Schuster's status during his postgame press conference, but the receiver has already been ruled out of Week 8.
Las Vegas Raiders Injury Analysis:
The Raiders placed Aidan O'Connell on the IR on Tuesday, knocking him out of at least the next four games as he recovers from a thumb injury.
With O'Connell out, Las Vegas will hand the reins back to Gardner Minshew who started the first five games of the season and threw eight interceptions.
Los Angeles Chargers Injury Analysis:
Rookie receiver Ladd McConkey played through a hip injury on Monday night against the Cardinals, but has now missed two practices this week with the same issue.
With the short week, it seems likely the Chargers will be without their leading receiver against the Saints. Josh Palmer and Simi Fehoko combined for 11 targets last week and would be considered the top receivers with DJ Chark still on the IR.
Los Angeles Rams Injury Analysis:
The Rams finally got some good news this week as both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were active for Thursday Night Football.
Despite coming off extended absences, both Kupp and Nacua featured heavily in the Rams' passing attack, earning a combined 17 targets.
Miami Dolphins Injury Analysis:
Tua Tagovailoa has officially cleared concussion protocol and will be active this week for the Dolphins. He has been on the IR since mid-September after suffering the third concussion of his career.
The Dolphins went 1-3 with Tagovailoa out and currently rank dead last in the NFL in scoring.
Minnesota Vikings Injury Analysis:
Standout left tackle Christian Darrisaw will miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury on Thursday Night Football.
David Quessenberry was the Vikings backup option against the Rams and should be the next in line to start.
New England Patriots Injury Analysis:
Anfernee Jennings seems to be on-track to play this weekend as he continues to play through a shoulder injury he suffered back in Week 5.
Jennings was a limited participant in Thursday's practice after sitting out on Wednesday.
New Orleans Saints Injury Analysis:
Derek Carr will miss another game due to his oblique injury. He's currently listed as doubtful for Sunday.
New York Giants Injury Analysis:
Brian Burns has been limited in practice this week after suffering an Achilles injury against the Eagles. Burns previously has been held out of practice due to a groin injury.
He did return to action last week so he isn't dealing with anything major.
New York Jets Injury Analysis:
Haason Reddick will make his Jets debut this week after holding out for the first seven weeks of the season. Reddick and the Jets agreed to a new contract for the rest of 2024 and the edge rusher has been active in practice since joining the team.
Philadelphia Eagles Injury Analysis:
Dallas Goedert still has not rejoined the team at practice since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 6 and will miss his second straight game.
Elsewhere on the offense, Mekhi Becton suffered a concussion against the Giants in Week 7 and will likely be replaced by Tyler Steen at right guard.
Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Analysis:
Center Zach Frazier is expected to miss his second straight game due to an ankle injury after missing practice all week.
However, it was reported that a plate put in his ankle last year actually prevented Frazier from breaking his ankle and ending his season.
San Francisco 49ers Injury Analysis:
Jauan Jennings has not practiced this week as he deals with a hip injury. Deebo Samuel has been on the field in a limited capacity as he works his way back from an illness and a wrist injury.
George Kittle and Jordan Mason have also been limited this week as the 49ers try to make it one week without losing an offensive weapon.
Seattle Seahawks Injury Analysis:
DK Metcalf suffered a sprained MCL on Sunday and will probably miss some time as he recovers.
With Metcalf out, Geno Smith should turn to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett in the passing game.
Both receivers had six targets in the win over the Falcons, combining for seven catches and 54 yards.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Analysis:
Tampa Bay suffered two major blows to their receiving corps on Monday night.
First, Mike Evans exited in the first half with an apparent hamstring injury.
A hamstring issue forced him to miss two practices heading into that game, and it is fair to assume he will miss some time.
The crushing blow came right at the end of the game when Chris Godwin suffered what will almost certainly be a season-ending ankle injury.
After the game, Todd Bowles confirmed Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle.
Trey Palmer, Jalen McMillan, and Sterling Shepard were the next guys up on Monday night, and the Bucs will likely look to add some help until Evans is ready to return.
Tennessee Titans Injury Analysis:
Will Levis has been limited in practice this week, but the Titans will give the young quarterback another week to rest his injured shoulder.
As a result, Mason Rudolph will make his second start of the season.
Washington Commanders Injury Analysis:
Jayden Daniels is dealing with bruised ribs and has been classified as week-to-week by Dan Quinn, who noted the team would be cautious in the rookie's recovery plan.
If Daniels misses time, it will be Marcus Mariota under center.
Mariota completed 78 percent of his passes in relief of Daniels against the Panthers on Sunday, averaging 8.9 yards per attempt and tossing 2 touchdowns.