Henderson first appeared on Thursday’s injury report with the sickness and could not practice on Friday. The medical staff decided holding him out provides the safest path toward a full recovery. Therefore, Henderson won’t suit up vs Dolphins.

His absence adds to New England’s growing offensive concerns ahead of kickoff in South Florida. Fans also wonder why AJ Brown isn’t playing for the Patriots vs Dolphins in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season, leaving the offense shorthanded across multiple positions.

The Patriots still have Rhamondre Stevenson vs Dolphins

Fortunately for head coach Jerod Mayo, veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson remains fully prepared to anchor the backfield. Stevenson leads New England with 285 rushing yards this NFL season and commands heavy early-down touches. His bruising running style creates physical push between the tackles against a vulnerable Miami defense.

Miami ranks among the league’s weaker units against the run, offering Stevenson room to establish tempo. With Henderson unavailable, rookie backup Corey Kiner will serve as Stevenson’s change-of-pace replacement on third downs. Stevenson should see his heaviest touch volume of the campaign as New England controls clock.

Henderson has failed to capture the RB1 spot

Henderson entered his sophomore season aiming to bench Stevenson, and become the primary weapon in the backfield. However, persistent inconsistency and minor injuries have relegated the former Ohio State star to rotational duty. He missed the season opener with an ankle sprain and has struggled to string together productive performances.

Through six appearances this year, Henderson has managed just 203 rushing yards and one touchdown on 52 carries. He averages a modest 3.9 yards per attempt and saw only three carries last week in Chicago. Stevenson continues to hold a firm grip on the starting job while Henderson works to earn trust.

Key takeaways

• TreVeyon Henderson was ruled out against the Dolphins due to an acute illness.
• Rhamondre Stevenson leads New England with 285 rushing yards this season.
• TreVeyon Henderson has managed 203 rushing yards and one touchdown through six appearances.

“QB Lamar Jackson is out,” the Baltimore Ravens announced on their X account. Jackson couldn’t make it through his first drive of the game and now has another injury concern to add to the high ankle sprain that had him questionable for the Ravens’ Week 8 matchup against the Bills in the first place. Adding to the trouble, Huntley has now been sidelined with an injury of his own.

With Jackson and Huntley out, the Ravens will rely on their quarterback depth to take down the Bills on the road. Tyler Huntley has exited the game shortly after filling in for Jackson. Joe Fagnano is the emergency third quarterback for the game at Highmark Stadium, as Skylar Thompson is on injured reserve (IR).

Who else could play QB for Baltimore?

As Fagnano saw the field, that essentially ruled Huntley out. In the NFL, once an emergency quarterback enters a game, the team can’t go back to another QB. Needless to say, the Ravens are in trouble, and things could get even worse. If something happens to Fagnano, Baltimore will be out of quarterback options.

As reported by Scott Hanson on NFL RedZone, running back Justice Hill would be the team’s last-ditch option to play under center if such a catastrophic scenario comes to pass.

• Lamar Jackson (Out with right thumb injury)
• Tyler Huntley
• Joe Fagnano (emergency quarterback)

Jackson and Huntley’s stats in 2026

So far in the 2026 NFL season, Jackson and Huntley have played practically the same number of snaps. That’s a recipe for disaster for any team with a franchise quarterback, and the Ravens have felt the impact of Jackson’s injury-related absences through eight weeks of the season.

Entering Week 8, Jackson has thrown 96 passes, completing 68 of them for 967 yards, six touchdowns, and a single interception. Huntley has thrown more passes than Jackson, though, with 74 completions on 106 attempts for 727 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception.

Both signal-callers have one rushing touchdown as well, but Jackson leads Huntley with 144 yards on the ground compared to Huntley’s 76.

Key takeaways

• Lamar Jackson was injured on his first pass attempt against the Buffalo Bills.
• Tyler Huntley entered the game to replace injured Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, but is now injured, too.
• Joe Fagnano, third emergency QB, has entered the game.

The soft-tissue issue originally surfaced during training camp and has plagued Smith across the 2026 NFL season. After sitting out against Dallas last week, this marks the fourth game Smith will miss this fall.

Head coach Nick Sirianni refused to rush his playmaker back without full clearance. Philadelphia wants to ensure Smith completely heals before subjecting him to full game action again.

Eagles WR depth chart vs Commanders

Philadelphia enters Northwest Stadium with an extremely depleted receiving corps on the active depth chart. Starter Dontayvion Wicks will also miss the matchup due to a lingering ankle injury, leaving the unit without its top two boundary options vs Commanders. Wideout Makai Lemon steps into the primary wide receiver role for the afternoon.

Lemon leads the wideout room alongside rotational targets Johnny Wilson, Ainias Smith, and practice-squad elevation Giles Jackson. Because the outside options lack proven experience, veteran tight end Dallas Goedert will function as the focal point of the passing attack.

How does DeVonta Smith’s absence affect the Eagles passing game?

Losing Smith strips Philadelphia of its best route runner and primary big-play spark. Even with limited action this year, Smith leads the Eagles with 310 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 26 catches. His absence prevents quarterback Tanner McKee from pushing the football vertically.

Without Smith stretching the field, Washington’s secondary can aggressively attack the intermediate parts of the game. Opposing safeties will likely shade heavily toward Goedert while loading the box against Saquon Barkley.

Key takeaways

• DeVonta Smith was officially ruled out against Washington with a hamstring injury.
• Wide receiver Makai Lemon steps into the primary role with multiple starters sidelined.
• DeVonta Smith leads Philadelphia with 310 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season.

“Jaylen Waddle, who has been dealing with a chest injury that he aggravated last week, is trending in the right direction to play, source says,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on his X account.

Since being traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Mile High City, Waddle hasn’t had the start to the 2026 NFL season many had hoped for, and his production with the Broncos has been quite limited. In Week 8, Waddle is trending toward suiting up and getting another shot at the Chiefs, against whom he had his worst game of the year in Week 1.

Waddle against the Chiefs

In his Broncos debut, Waddle mustered only one reception on three targets for a measly two-yard gain at Arrowhead. In Week 8, Waddle will hope to change the tune against Kansas City, as the Chiefs have been one tough nut to crack for the Alabama product.

Waddle has faced the Chiefs three times in his NFL career, yet he has never recorded more than 50 receiving yards against them or scored a touchdown. Considering he will face them twice every year and the Chiefs are the main obstacle standing in the way of the Broncos’ goal of winning the division, Waddle may want to find his footing and snap the drought against them.

Waddle’s projections for Week 8

Not only are Broncos fans worried about Waddle’s questionable status, but fantasy football owners are, too. After leaving Week 7’s game against the Arizona Cardinals with a chest injury, Waddle didn’t practice on Wednesday and was only a limited participant on Thursday and Friday, meaning he is questionable to play Sunday. However, reports around the NFL point to Waddle playing in Week 8. That means he’s expected to be the leading receiver in a Broncos offense that struggles dearly to move the chains through the air.

Still, Waddle is projected to put up 10.85 points (PPR), according to ESPN’s fantasy football app. Waddle hasn’t surpassed the 10-point mark in the last three weeks, though. He’s seen more targets than any other wideout in Denver, and it’s a matter of him catching the ball and gaining yards after the catch rather than getting the opportunities to shine.

Crucial game

As the 5-2 Broncos and 5-1 Chiefs meet in Colorado, the AFC West will see a pivotal matchup. Waddle, who’s trending toward playing, could be a decisive factor if he can end his rough stretch and deliver a vintage performance.

Key takeaways

• Jaylen Waddle is listed as questionable with a chest injury ahead of the Chiefs game.
• Jaylen Waddle had one reception for two yards in his Denver Broncos debut at Arrowhead.
• ESPN fantasy projects Jaylen Waddle for 10.85 points in PPR scoring for Week 8.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported early Sunday morning that Meyers, who was officially listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report, is “good to go” for the division contest.

Rapoport’s update confirms that while the Jaguars proceeded cautiously with their veteran receiver during weekday preparations, Meyers experienced no setbacks.

Jakobi Meyers ready to face Colts

Jakobi Meyers was cleared by the Jaguars’ medical staff, and expected to start today against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. Uncertainty surrounding Meyers arose after Jacksonville’s weekly injury reports showed fluctuating practice availability.

The 29-year-old receiver logged limited participation during Wednesday and Thursday sessions while managing both hamstring and ankle ailments before sitting out Friday’s practice entirely. However, team officials clarified that Friday’s absence was a pre-planned rest strategy rather than a structural setback.

Why Meyers’ presence is critical for Jacksonville’s AFC South control

Sitting atop the division at 4-2, the Jaguars hold a commanding position in the AFC South standings. Securing a home victory over Indianapolis would push Jacksonville to 5-2 while handing the struggling Colts their sixth defeat of the campaign, effectively isolating Indy from the divisional race.

Having Meyers available provides quarterback Trevor Lawrence with crucial tactical advantages against Indianapolis’ defense. Meyers leads Jacksonville’s receiving core in third-down conversions, serving as Lawrence’s most reliable route-runner in high-leverage situations.

With Brian Thomas Jr. dealing with inconsistent usage and target share, Meyers remains the primary intermediate target inside the 20-yard line. As the Colts transition into a mid-season rebuild following major roster moves, Meyers’ presence allows Jacksonville to press their offensive advantage early and control tempo.

Key takeaways

• Jakobi Meyers is good to go for Week 8 against the Colts despite injury designations.
• Meyers’ absence from Friday’s practice was precautionary management for his hamstring and ankle rather than an injury aggravation.
• At 4-2, a Jaguars victory featuring Meyers anchors Jacksonville’s lead in the AFC South standings while further distancing the Colts.

The sudden setback compounds ongoing ankle and knee issues that have hindered the veteran wideout. Team medical staff determined that Brown cannot safely suit up this week vs Dolphins.

AJ Brown‘s absence leaves New England’s wide receiver room dangerously thin for quarterback Drake Maye to connect with. With Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins already on injured reserve, slot specialist DeMario Douglas steps up alongside Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III.

Brown’s debut season has been injury filled

Brown’s first year in Foxborough has turned into an ongoing medical nightmare. He suffered a severe high-ankle sprain in Week 1 that forced the Patriots to place him on short-term injured reserve. Just two weeks after returning to the gridiron, this new knee complication puts his availability on pause again.

Persistent physical setbacks have prevented Brown from establishing any sustained rhythm in New England’s passing attack. Instead of spearheading the offense, the marquee offseason acquisition spends crucial game days unable to play.

When playing, Brown has been underwhelming

When healthy enough to dress, Brown has performed well below his usual All-Pro standards. According to Pro-Football-Reference, he has secured just nine receptions on 20 targets across three appearances. He hasn’t helped Drake Maye at all.

Those catches have yielded only 101 receiving yards and zero touchdowns, reflecting a mere 11.2 yards per reception. Uncharacteristic mistakes have also plagued his game, resulting in three official drops and a disappointing 45% catch rate.

Key takeaways

• The Patriots downgraded AJ Brown to out for Sunday’s matchup against Miami.
• AJ Brown suffered a severe high-ankle sprain during Week 1 of the season.
• AJ Brown has recorded nine receptions on 20 targets across three appearances.

ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reported early Sunday morning that George Pickens, who was officially listed as questionable on the team’s injury report with shoulder and hamstring issues, is expected to play against the Arizona Cardinals.

Schefter’s report clears up lingering uncertainty surrounding Pickens, who was limited throughout the practice week while managing physical discomfort. Now, that great WR duo with CeeDee Lamb will be ready to go.

George Pickens expected to play

George Pickens is active and will start today for the Dallas Cowboys against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. During the week, Pickens logged consecutive limited practice reps, drawing extra scrutiny after return specialist and depth wideout KaVontae Turpin was ruled out with a rib injury. Having Pickens available ensures Dallas maintains its elite downfield passing structure alongside All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb.

The 3-4 Cowboys find themselves backed against the wall as they attempt to chase down the division-leading New York Giants in the NFC East standings. Falling further behind in a competitive conference field would severely compromise Dallas’ wild-card math, making Sunday’s contest against Arizona a non-negotiable must-win.

Barring an unexpected pre-game setback during warmups, fantasy managers and Cowboys fans can plan on Pickens taking his full share of snaps on Sunday afternoon.

Key takeaways

• Adam Schefter confirms George Pickens is expected to play against the Arizona Cardinals.
• Pickens overcome shoulder and hamstring issues after participating in limited practice sessions earlier in the week.
• Sitting at 3-4 and chasing the Giants in the NFC East, Dallas relies heavily on Pickens to anchor their offense alongside Dak Prescott.

On Saturday, Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter of ESPN and NFL Network revealed the Colts‘ willingness to trade Taylor and mentioned the teams that showed interest in him. Apart from the Giants, they named the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings.

A day later, Jordan Schultz of FOX added the Cincinnati Bengals to the mix and provided an important detail: “The asking price is believed to be too high right now, but sources do believe a trade is leaning to be more likely than not at this point.“

What the Colts might expect in return to trade Taylor

The specific asking price in question remains unconfirmed, but there are some clues. For instance, the Colts reportedly rejected an offer led by a second-round pick.

Schefter and Rapoport understand that Indianapolis might seek a similar compensation to the one the Carolina Panthers got by trading Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. That year, the Niners exchanged second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round picks to get the star RB.

NY Giants need to be aggressive again

This might give the Giants an idea of what they should give up if they want to land Taylor. Otherwise, they may not get it done. Let’s keep in mind that there are many other teams with enough motivation to meet the Colts’ demands.

One of them are the Broncos, who might use a RB like Taylor after placing RJ Harvey on injured reserve. The Giants have draft capital to pull off a trade like the one the 49ers made for McCaffrey, but sacrificing those picks would leave them with practically no room to maneuver in the 2027 NFL Draft.

New York has picks in the first three rounds apart from two sixth rounders in 2027. The Giants already gave up their fourth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in the deal that allowed them to draft Malachi Fields in April, and they also sent a fifth-rounder to the Minnesota Vikings to get J.J. McCarthy after Jaxson Dart’s injury this season.

The Giants have been aggressive since John Harbaugh was named head coach, but only time will tell us how far they go to get Taylor.

Key takeaways

• Giants, Broncos, Packers, and Vikings are the four teams showing interest in Jonathan Taylor.
• A second-round pick led a trade offer that the Colts have reportedly rejected.
• The 2022 Christian McCaffrey trade represents the compensation package the Colts are reportedly seeking.

Following high-profile blockbusters that sent pro-bowlers Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner out of town, the team’s leadership has signaled a massive organizational teardown.

However, despite reports from Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport confirming Indianapolis is open to trading star running back Jonathan Taylor, the 27-year-old rushing champion will remain on the field. Head coach Shane Steichen explicitly addressed the situation, confirming that Taylor has no injury designations and will suit up for Sunday’s action.

Jonathan Taylor will play for Colts

Jonathan Taylor is officially active and expected to play for the Indianapolis Colts today against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8. While some around the league speculated the Colts might designate Taylor as a healthy scratch to guard against injury risk before the November 10 deadline, Steichen confirmed the backfield leader will take his standard role.

Should an acquiring franchise step forward with a high-value first-round package before the trade window closes, Sunday’s divisional game in Jacksonville could mark Taylor’s final appearance in a Colts uniform.

An interesting aspect to watch is how many snaps Taylor will get against the Jaguars. Considering his value as a trade asset, the Colts cannot risk a possible injury.

Key takeaways

• Jonathan Taylor is playing today against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
• Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Taylor will be used in his full operational role without immediate restriction.
• Indianapolis rejected a 2027 2nd-round offer plus extra picks, keeping Taylor active as they hold out for a premium first-round return.

Both DJ Moore and Dalton Kincaid serve as vital players within Buffalo’s passing system and they will play vs Baltimore. They stretch opposing coverages across every level of the field and consistently generate chain-moving first downs.

Their presence forces defensive coordinators to adjust coverage shells and protect against quick throws over the middle. Now that both playmakers are suiting up, the Bills can operate with better tempo, spacing, and rhythm. That is what they should need to impose their will against the Ravens.

Is DJ Moore playing for Bills vs Ravens?

Buffalo officially listed wide receiver DJ Moore as questionable on the final injury report. Moore has been nursing a shoulder issue that kept him in a non-contact red jersey all week. However, he is good to go.

Moore will suit up and after testing the shoulder during pregame warmups. He experienced no discomfort. Therefore, Moore should take his standard starting spot in the lineup as a primary first-read option for Josh Allen.

Is Dalton Kincaid playing for Bills vs Ravens?

Tight end Dalton Kincaid also carried a questionable tag into today’s matchup due to a lingering chest ailment. The injury limited his participation during weekday practices following Buffalo’s bye week. Still, Kincaid is playing with no snap count.

The coaching staff put Kincaid through a final medical evaluation on the field before kickoff. Given how doctors didn’t recommend holding him back, Buffalo expects Kincaid to play in key passing situations. Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Kincaid is “pretty confident” he should be able to play. Now, that report has been confirmed.

Key takeaways

• The Buffalo Bills face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8 at Highmark Stadium.
• Wide receiver DJ Moore was listed as questionable due to a shoulder issue.
• Tight end Dalton Kincaid is questionable against Baltimore with a lingering chest ailment.

Ravens head coach Jesse Minter provided full clarity on Jackson’s status following Friday’s practice session. “We do think we will have Lamar this game,” Minter stated. Jackson was removed from the official injury report after logging full practice reps to close out the week.

Jackson’s return comes at a critical juncture for Baltimore’s 2026 regular season campaign. The two-time NFL MVP has been sidelined for the past three games after suffering the high-ankle sprain during Baltimore’s Week 4 contest.

Lamar Jackson available for Ravens

Lamar Jackson is active, fully healthy, and scheduled to start at quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8. It’s a key moment for their season.

During Jackson’s three-game absence, the Ravens struggled to maintain offensive continuity, dropping back-to-back divisional games and ceding valuable ground in a hyper-competitive AFC North race. The slump placed immense pressure on Minter’s squad as they fell off the pace for the top seed in the conference.

Barring any unforeseen pre-game setbacks, fantasy managers and Ravens fans can expect Jackson to assume his full workload on Sunday as Baltimore attempts to make a definitive prime-time statement.

Key takeaways

• Lamar Jackson is playing today against the Buffalo Bills after missing three consecutive games with a high-ankle sprain.
• Jesse Minter confirmed Jackson practiced without limitation on Friday and was removed from the team’s injury report.
• Following two straight losses that dropped Baltimore down the AFC North standings, Jackson’s return is poised to re-establish the Ravens as top-tier Super Bowl contenders.