Injuries and Waiver Wire Week 8

WEEK 7 INJURY REPORT

QUARTERBACKS

DeShaun Watson – Watson could not return after suffering an injury in the first half of Sunday’s game vs the Colts.

RUNNING BACKS

Saquon Barkley – Barkley hyperextended his elbow but said that he should be fine, per NFL.com.

Jerome Ford – Ford was unable to finish week seven’s matchup vs the Colts due to an ankle injury.

Eric Gray – Gray injured his calf and could not return.

Keaton Mitchell – Mitchell could not return after injuring his hamstring.

Bijan Robinson – Robinson was recovering from an illness and was limited in week seven.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Christian Watson – Watson injured his knee late in Sunday’s game vs the Broncos.

Jaylen Waddle – Waddle suffered a back injury near the end of the first half of Sunday’s game vs the Eagles.

TIGHT ENDS

Gerald Everett – Everett injured his quad on Sunday and could not return.

Luke Musgrave – Musgrave injured his ankle and could not return.

WEEK 8 WAIVER WIRE:

QUARTERBACKS:

Gardner Minshew II – There has been very little help available on most waiver-wires at the quarterback position this season. However, Minshew had himself a great week seven, giving quarterback-needy team’s hope. Minshew passed for over 300 yards, scored two passing touchdowns, and even added two rushing touchdowns in week seven, scoring 27.10 fantasy points. He’s been inconsistent since taking over for the injured Anthony Richardson but displayed his upside here vs the Browns. The Colts will face off against the Saints next week, and then the Panthers the following week. If you are in a pinch, perhaps look at adding Gardner Minshew.

RUNNING BACKS:

Kareem Hunt – Browns starting RB Jerome Ford was injured in Sunday’s game vs the Colts, and Hunt filled in. Hunt scored two touchdowns with 10 rushing attempts for 31 yards. Should Ford miss any time, Hunt has experience playing in this Kevin Stefanski’s coaching system, and is the clear number two back, ahead of Pierre Strong. The Browns will face off against the Seahawks in week eight, and the Cardinals in week nine.

Darrell Henderson, Jr. – In a week where the Rams were scrambling at the RB position due to injuries of starting RB Kyren Williams and backup RB Ronnie Rivers, the team re-signed an old friend in Henderson. Henderson has experience playing in Sean McVay’s offense, so it took him no time to get going here in week seven. Henderson had 18 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown, along with a reception for five yards. He split the backfield with Royce Freeman, which should continue while both starting RBs are on Injured reserve.

Royce Freeman – Freeman was another back that the Rams signed this week to fill in for their depleted backfield. In his first game with the new team, Freeman had 12 rushing attempts for 66 yards, leading the backfield in total yardage. Expect this backfield to remain a committee while Williams and Rivers are out, but perhaps Freeman can carve out a role here.

Also Consider:

Tyler Allgeier

WIDE RECEIVERS:

Rashee Rice – Rice has really started to break out over the last three weeks for the Chiefs. He’s scored double-digit fantasy points in each of those games, including his week seven effort of 60-yards and a touchdown, for 17 fantasy points in PPR scoring. Somehow, Rice is available in 70.4 percent of NFL fantasy leagues. He’s becoming one of the top receiving weapons behind Kelce in an offense with Patrick Mahomes as his QB and Andy Reid as his head coach.

Joshua Palmer – Palmer had himself a great game in week seven, leading the Chargers in receiving. Palmer had five receptions for 133 yards in this game, his best game of the season. He has scored 10.00+ fantasy points in each of his last three games and continues to be a solid number three receiver or better option in most fantasy leagues. He is available in 79.3 percent of NFL fantasy leagues.

Josh Downs – Downs had himself a great game in week seven, leading the Colts in receiving. He had five receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown. Downs’ touchdown came on a 59-yard catch-and-run early in the first half. The rookie has been producing some solid numbers this fantasy season, including 97 receiving yards two weeks ago, and 13.10 fantasy points last week. He’s available in 77 percent of NFL Fantasy leagues. Add Downs if you’re in need of a receiver.

K.J. Osborn – Osborn is yet to play in week seven but deserves to be mentioned in this article. He will be filling in as the top receiver in Minnesota while Justin Jefferson is injured. He underwhelmed last week in this role, but better games are coming. He should score near 10.00 fantasy points most weeks while Jefferson is out, making him an intriguing flex play during the bye weeks.

Also Consider:

Jaylin Hyatt, Jonathan Mingo

TIGHT ENDS:

Jonnu Smith – Smith is coming off his worst game of the fantasy season, gaining just 27 yards. However, prior to this week, he had been relatively consistent for the Falcons, so much so that he is a top-10 TE on the season, pending Monday Night Football. Here are his last four games: Week 4: six receptions, 95 yards, 15.00 fantasy points. Week 5: six receptions for 67 yards, good for 10.70 fantasy points. Week 6: four receptions, 36 yards, 1 touchdown. Week 7: three receptions for 27 yards. As you can see, he’s clearly involved in this Falcons’ offense, despite the presence of fellow TE Kyle Pitts. Jonnu Smith is available in 74.5 percent of NFL Fantasy leagues as of this writing.

Trey McBride – McBride had himself a below-average week seven, hauling in just three receptions for 29 yards. However, with the NFL trade deadline approaching, there have been rumors that the Cardinals are shopping starting TE Zach Ertz. If Ertz were to get traded, McBride would need to step up. McBride is a sophomore TE who was a second-round NFL draft pick, which means the Cardinals are heavily invested in him. It is only a matter of time before Trey gets a real opportunity to shine in this offense.

Also consider:

Jake Ferguson, Michael Mayer