“I will say that a lot of people let Brian (Schottenheimer) down today,” Jerry Jones stated postgame, via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “And so, for whatever criticism we want to have of Brian, we going to all get in line. That was a total team effort out there for us. We have to be better than that when we can get our hands on a win and then drop the ball.”

Jones’ message won’t cancel out the noise surrounding Schottenheimer and the growing calls for the Cowboys to move on from him. However, he did shed light on how the front office evaluates the situation, and his comments are very telling about what could happen to the head coach.

For the time being, Schottenheimer is staying off the hot seat, but life changes fast in the NFL, and he’s walking a thin line, even if Jones won’t publicly lash out at him.

Week 8 loss changes things for Cowboys

Jones is never one to mince words, especially after disappointing losses, which the Cowboys seem to collect year after year. At the end of the day, Jones is the one paying the bills in Arlington. He’s more than entitled to his opinion, and if something isn’t right, he won’t hesitate to call it out.

Jones didn’t give out any names, but fans across the NFL may find out who Dallas is most upset with in the coming days if there are sudden roster moves before the trade deadline (Nov. 10).

Cowboys crash and burn in Week 8

Fans at AT&T Stadium should have grown suspicious as the Cowboys headed into halftime with a two-possession lead and seemingly in control of the game. It’s rarely that simple for Dallas, and soon things would turn chaotic. Failing to capitalize on drives with touchdowns and settling for field goals came back to bite them.

Of course, allowing the Cardinals to score a touchdown on a last-ditch, eight-play, 80-yard drive when Arizona had no timeouts was the last straw. The Cardinals even gave the Cowboys a chance, as kicker Chad Ryland missed the extra point that would have sealed the win in regulation.

In overtime, the Cardinals punted on their opening drive, leaving Dallas with a chance to score and win the game. It was three-and-out for the Boys, giving the ball back to the Cards, and that was all she wrote. Ryland wouldn’t miss another easy kick, and there was no miracle for the self-wounded Cowboys.

Tough picture for Dallas

The Cowboys are now 3-5 on the year. With the New York Giants on a bye and either the Philadelphia Eagles or Washington Commanders set to lose as the divisional rivals meet on Sunday night, the Cowboys let a key chance to narrow the race for the NFC East title slip through their fingers.

One may say it’s still early in the 2026 NFL season, but this Week 8 defeat hurts in so many ways that it almost feels hope-crushing for Dallas.

Key takeaways

• The Dallas Cowboys lost 33-30 to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8.
• The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 10, prompting speculation on potential Dallas Cowboys moves.
• The Dallas Cowboys fell to 3-5 following their overtime defeat against Arizona.

“I still think a deal gets done, yes,” Art Stapleton of USA Today wrote on his X account regarding New York potentially trading for Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor is signed through 2028 in Indianapolis after signing a two-year extension during the summer. Still, his frustration was visible all day long during the Colts’ loss to the Jaguars. The writing on the wall is starting to show, and with the 2026 NFL trade deadline looming, a decision feels imminent. That’s true for both Taylor and the Giants.

Week 8 was a huge success for NY Giants

New York enjoyed some time off during Halloween but still tuned in Sunday to watch key games around the NFL. Thanks to the Dallas Cowboys’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the path to the NFC East title is even clearer now for the G-Men. That wasn’t the only positive news for Big Blue, though.

New York watched the Colts get dismantled by the Jacksonville Jaguars, which may change Taylor’s mind about wanting to stay in Indianapolis. The Horseshoe is heading nowhere and doesn’t even own its first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. While there were questions about whether Taylor would play against the Jaguars, he did, as the Colts sent a message by not sidelining him amid the loud trade buzz.

Taylor couldn’t get much going against the tough Jags defense, and his team was in for a disheartening afternoon in Florida. Everything went the Giants’ way, as well as that of every other suitor for Taylor, as he escaped the outing unscathed. The Colts are down to 2-6, and even if they don’t want to, trading Taylor while his value is sky-high makes too much sense.

NY Giants pressured to make a deadline move

For the Giants, with the rest of the division crumbling and a clear path to the playoffs opening up ahead of them, making a splash before the trade deadline is becoming very appealing—and somewhat mandatory.

The Giants are finally in a contending position in the NFL. This is what they’ve been after for so many years. All that remains to be seen is whether they will actually pull the trigger this time or get cold feet.

Key takeaways

• USA Today’s Art Stapleton reported that a New York Giants trade for Jonathan Taylor remains likely.
• Jonathan Taylor is signed through 2028 with the Indianapolis Colts after a summer extension.
• The Indianapolis Colts fell to 2-6 after the loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The team officially placed Hurts on Injured Reserve (IR) ahead of Week 6, confirming that backup quarterback Tanner McKee will continue taking the first-team snaps under center.

Hurts is still recovering from a serious medical diagnosis involving blood clots. Medical evaluations revealed that blood clots originated in his left calf and subsequently traveled to his lungs (pulmonary embolism), requiring immediate blood thinner therapy and long-term rest.

Jalen Hurts’ situation

Because athletes on blood-thinning medication cannot participate in contact sports due to internal bleeding risks, medical specialists and ESPN’s Adam Schefter report that Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season.

The medical issue stemmed from a routine football play during Philadelphia’s Week 5 contest against the Los Angeles Rams, where Hurts sustained deep tissue trauma after taking a cleat to his left calf.

While the diagnosis effectively ends Hurts’ 2026 campaign, medical professionals emphasize that the long-term prognosis for his career remains fully positive. With proper medical treatment and anticoagulation therapy, doctors anticipate Hurts will make a complete recovery in time for offseason activities ahead of the 2027 season.

In the interim, head coach Nick Sirianni and the Eagles’ offense must navigate the remainder of the schedule relying on Tanner McKee, attempting to stay afloat in a competitive NFC East race.

Key takeaways

• Jalen Hurts is out today after being diagnosed with blood clots in his calf and lungs.
• Medical protocol regarding blood thinners is expected to keep Hurts sidelined for the rest of the 2026 season.
• Tanner McKee starts at quarterback for Philadelphia against Washington in Week 8.

Jayden Daniels continues to guide an explosive unit that keeps Washington firmly in the divisional race. In sharp contrast, the Eagles must navigate this pivotal matchup relying entirely on their backup quarterbacks. Franchise star Jalen Hurts sits on injured reserve, leaving head coach Nick Sirianni scrambling for stability. Injuries have battered Philadelphia’s offense across multiple key positions this week.

Besides the quarterback void, fans also wonder why DeVonta Smith isn’t playing today for the Eagles vs Commanders in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season. That combined absence forces the Eagles to lean heavily on untested personnel against a division rival. Washington intends to capitalize on Philadelphia’s sudden roster vulnerability.

Commanders QB depth chart vs Eagles

Jayden Daniels leads the depth chart as Washington’s undisputed starting quarterback. His dual-threat playmaking and accurate downfield passing remain the engine of Washington’s aerial attack. Daniels gives Washington a distinct advantage over Philadelphia’s depleted secondary.

Veteran Marcus Mariota operates as the primary QB2 behind Daniels. Mariota brings extensive starting experience, providing dependable insurance if Daniels ever needs to miss snaps. Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis dresses as Washington’s emergency QB3.

Eagles QB depth chart vs Commanders

Tanner McKee starts under center for Philadelphia while Hurts recovers from his medical condition. McKee earned the nod after climbing the depth chart during the early weeks of the season.

Rookie dual-threat passer Cole Payton serves as Philadelphia’s primary backup behind McKee. Payton offers athletic packages if the coaching staff seeks a spark on short-yardage downs. Meanwhile, mid-season addition Joe Milton III suits up as the emergency QB3 on the active gameday roster.

Key takeaways

• Jayden Daniels steers Washington’s offense as starting quarterback against the Philadelphia Eagles.
• Jalen Hurts sits on injured reserve, forcing Philadelphia to rely on backup quarterbacks.
• Tanner McKee starts under center for Philadelphia while Jalen Hurts recovers.

Brissett struggled mightily against Dallas’ aggressive defense, completing just 10 of 23 passes for 119 yards and one interception. Arizona generated only 130 total yards on seven possessions under his guidance and went 0-for-2 in the red zone.

With the Cardinals trailing 17-3, the coaching staff turned to veteran backup Gardner Minshew II to spark the offense. Minshew provided an immediate jolt, completing a pass to Devin Duvernay before Tyler Allgeier broke free for a 63-yard touchdown run two plays later.

Brissett might have lost his starting spot

Sunday’s benching puts Brissett’s status as Arizona’s QB1 in serious jeopardy for the remainder of the season. Arizona entered Week 8 with a 2-5 record while scoring just 16 points against Denver the previous week. Continued sluggish starts have tested the patience of the Cardinals’ offensive staff.

If Minshew rallies Arizona down the stretch against the Cowboys, the coaching staff will face immense pressure to keep him under center. Brissett’s inability to sustain drives or capitalize in scoring territory could relegate him to backup duties moving forward.

Minshew is a more dynamic QB than Brissett

While Brissett operates as a traditional, cautious pocket passer, Minshew brings an unpredictable, gunslinger mentality. He improvises outside the structure of the play and willing takes calculated shots into tight coverage windows.

That aggressiveness immediately changes how opposing defensive secondaries defend Arizona’s receiving weapons. Minshew’s quick release and dynamic energy give the Cardinals a necessary spark that Brissett failed to deliver all afternoon.

Key takeaways

• Jonathan Gannon benched starter Jacoby Brissett with 1:35 left in the third quarter.
• Jacoby Brissett completed 10 of 23 passes for 119 yards and an interception.
• Tyler Allgeier broke free for a 63-yard touchdown run after Gardner Minshew entered.

While trade rumors surround active roster targets like Brian Thomas Jr. and Josh Downs, one of the most explosive wide receivers in modern NFL history remains completely open to sign with any franchise instantly.

Tyreek Hill is available for all NFL teams. Following his release from the Miami Dolphins earlier this year, the 32-year-old eight-time Pro Bowler is an unrestricted free agent.

Tyreek Hill could be crucial for NFL contenders

Unlike player acquisitions via trade, acquiring Tyreek Hill requires no draft capital compensation—only a mutually agreed-upon contract. However, despite relentless league-wide interest, Hill remains unsigned as the second half of the regular season gets underway.

The primary obstacle preventing a deal is not a lack of interest, but rather the ongoing evaluation of Hill’s physical recovery. Hill suffered a catastrophic left knee injury—including a dislocation and multiple torn ligaments—during Week 4 of the 2025 season with Miami. After undergoing two major surgical procedures, his rehabilitation process has dragged well into the 2026 campaign.

While Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has provided consistent updates assuring that “a deal could happen at any time” with a top contender, front offices maintain a cautious, measured approach.

Acquiring front offices want definitive, 100% medical clearance and private workout sessions before committing contract space to a receiver whose elite game relies heavily on top-end burst.

Because Hill’s immediate game shape remains uncertain, teams seeking wide receiver help have concentrated their initial trade deadline efforts on active targets like Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars) or Josh Downs (Colts).

Rosenhaus continues to seek a fair contract structure that reflects Hill’s championship caliber, creating complex negotiations for mid-season salary caps. While teams proceed carefully, a fully healthy Tyreek Hill represents an unmatched wildcard for playoff contenders.

Key takeaways

• Tyreek Hill is an unrestricted free agent available to be signed by any NFL team without draft pick compensation.
• Lingering health evaluations from his 2025 multi-ligament knee surgery have delayed his return to an NFL roster.
• While trade talk centers on active roster receivers, a healthy Hill remains the premier free-agent weapon for Super Bowl contenders.

Following lingering injury concerns that kept him sidelined throughout October, star wide receiver Rashee Rice has officially shed his injury designation and will suit up on Sunday afternoon.

Rice initially suffered a right hamstring strain—with minor knee discomfort also in the mix—during Kansas City’s Week 4 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. After progressing through limited practice reps on Wednesday and Thursday, the WR was upgraded to a full practice participant on Friday clearing the final physical hurdle to play.

Rashee Rice finally returns with Chiefs

Rashee Rice carries no injury designation status and will play at wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs today against the Denver Broncos in Week 8. The return comes at an optimal time for head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Kansas City enters Week 8 holding a 5-1 record atop the division, looking to rebound from a tough Week 7 loss in Seattle and complete a season sweep over Denver following their Week 1 victory.

Prior to his Week 4 injury, Rice established himself as Mahomes’ most targeted playmaker, leading the team in receptions and yards after the catch. His return unlocks key tactical advantages for the Chiefs against Denver’s secondary.

Rice excels at turning short underneath routes into explosive gains, giving Kansas City an immediate solution against Denver’s aggressive pass rush. With Rice back on the field, opposing defenses can no longer bracket Travis Kelce exclusively inside the 20-yard line, restoring Kansas City’s red-zone efficiency.

Key takeaways

• Rashee Rice has no injury designation and is expected to play today against the Denver Broncos.
• After managing a right hamstring strain since Week 4, Rice logged a full practice session on Friday to confirm his availability.
• At 5-1, Kansas City gets their top wide receiver back as they aim to solidify their lead in the AFC West standings.

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.