Alright, football fans, we’re almost at the halfway point of the NFL season! You know what that means: it’s not just about racking up wins anymore; it’s a full-on survival game. Every team is battling the injury bug, and let’s be real, some teams are looking a little worse for wear.
Last week was brutal. We saw some big names go down, including Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans. Now, several teams are scrambling, leaning on backups and whoever they can find to fill the gaps in Week 8. Thursday night’s matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Chargers is a prime example, with Carson Wentz getting another shot under center.
So, who’s limping into Week 8? Who’s surprisingly healthy? Let’s break down the injury situation for every game on the schedule.
(Remember, all NFL odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook. If you’re looking to place a bet, new users can score $300 in bonus bets and three free months of NBA League Pass with a winning $5 wager.)
Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Chargers (-3)
- Vikings: Coach Kevin O’Connell has already confirmed that Carson Wentz will be the starting quarterback for the fourth week in a row. J.J. McCarthy is still nursing that ankle sprain. McCarthy will be the emergency No. 3 QB behind Wentz and rookie Max Brosmer, like last week.
- Chargers: Offensive tackle Joe Alt (ankle) is questionable for Thursday night. Austin Deculus (ankle), Alt’s backup, is also questionable. With Hassan Haskins (hamstring) ruled out and both Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris on injured reserve, Kimani Vidal is likely to start at running back for the Chargers.
Buffalo Bills (-7) at Carolina Panthers
- Bills: Buffalo had a few veterans limited at practice, including Curtis Samuel (neck), Dalton Kincaid (oblique), and Matt Milano (pectoral). Josh Palmer (ankle) remained sidelined, suggesting he’s in danger of missing this matchup.
- Panthers: Bryce Young (ankle) didn’t practice after getting hurt in Week 7, but coach Dave Canales says he’s "day to day." Jaycee Horn was limited with a vet rest day, while Damien Lewis (shoulder) and Princely Umanmielen (ribs) were limited with injuries.
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-7.5)
- Giants: The Giants have three key defenders dealing with day-to-day injuries: Brian Burns (foot), Paulson Adebo (knee), and Jevon Holland (knee) all missed Wednesday’s practice. Good news, though! Graham Gano is expected to be back from injured reserve.
- Eagles: The Eagles will be without Azeez Ojulari, and it’s unclear if Brandon Graham will play after returning from retirement. A.J. Brown (hamstring) also sat out Wednesday’s practice.
Chicago Bears at Baltimore Ravens (-6.5)
- Ravens: Big news in Baltimore! Lamar Jackson is back at practice after missing time with a hamstring injury. He was limited, but it’s a good sign he could be back soon. The Ravens are 0-2 without him, so they need him back ASAP.
- Bears: The Bears had a bunch of guys missing practice: DJ Moore (hip), Tyrique Stevenson (shoulder), D’Andre Swift (groin), Cole Kmet (back), and Roschon Johnson (back). Grady Jarrett (knee) and Braxton Jones (knee) were limited. Ouch.
New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals (-6.5)
- Jets: Aaron Glenn hasn’t officially named the starting QB, but Tyrod Taylor (knee) should be good to go if he gets the nod over Justin Fields. Garrett Wilson is dealing with a knee issue and is considered day-to-day. Sauce Gardner (concussion) also missed practice. Breece Hall (knee) and Jermaine Johnson II (ankle) were limited.
- Bengals: The Bengals only had two guys out: Cam Sample (knee) and Marco Wilson (hamstring). Trey Hendrickson (hip) was limited.
