According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Wilson did not practice at all this week. Consequently, head coach Aaron Glenn made the definitive call on Friday morning to hold him out.

His absence leaves a massive void atop the Jets’ offensive depth chart. New York must now adjust and adapt its passing attack against a top-tier Chiefs secondary, coached by Steve Spagnuolo.

Omar Cooper Jr. could have a bounce back week

Rookie wideout Omar Cooper Jr. enters Sunday with a golden opportunity to reclaim a prominent role. Cooper drew zero targets last week against Las Vegas despite running routes on 75 percent of dropbacks.

However, the explosive first-year wideout previously posted consecutive 100-yard performances against New England, who won’t have TreVeyon Henderson in upcoming weeks, and Miami. Therefore, Wilson’s absence guarantees Cooper a significant rise in perimeter targets.

The offense might look stagnant without Wilson

Wilson represents the heartbeat of New York’s passing game, commanding 27 percent of targets this season. Without his elite route running, opposing cornerbacks can aggressively compress coverage near the line of scrimmage.

Furthermore, Kansas City’s disciplined safeties will focus heavily on stopping early-down runs. Unless young receivers win their individual matchups quickly, the entire offense risks grinding to a complete halt.

Key takeaways

• The New York Jets ruled out Garrett Wilson against the Kansas City Chiefs.
• Rookie wideout Omar Cooper Jr. previously posted consecutive 100-yard performances this season.
• Garrett Wilson has commanded 27 percent of targets for New York this season.

Playing at Mile High, where kickers usually thrive thanks to the altitude at Empower Field, Butker missed a critical 54-yard field goal late in the game that practically served the game up to the Broncos on a silver platter.

Instead of throwing his three-time Super Bowl champion under the bus and serving up a piece of red meat for NFL media and fans to devour, Reid spared Butker. However, it may be a case of Reid knowing better than to air the Chiefs‘ dirty laundry in public.

Reid defends Butker after missed FG

“I know Butker’s the topic. I could kind of see what he saw. He ended up going too far right but I see why he went right, too,” Reid admitted during a virtual interview after Week 8’s loss.

“But when you have a heavy overload and penetration on the left side that’s going to alter a kicker. That’s just what you do as a kicker. It just went a little too wide. We’ve got to do a better job in the protection there.“

Chiefs may change kickers soon

With Tucker waiting on the practice squad, it may not be much longer before Kansas City makes a change at the kicker position. The Chiefs have now lost two games in a row in the 2026 NFL season to true Super Bowl contenders, and it’s clear their issues extend far beyond the kicker position. Still, replacing Butker might be the easiest problem for them to address right now.

Unless the Chiefs want to honor their longtime kicker, it’s clear something must change. Butker is far from his vintage form, and his numbers rank among the worst in the league. He’s not in an easy position. He knows the pressure is mounting, and Kansas City signing a veteran with seven Pro Bowl appearances under his belt doesn’t make things any easier.

Butker’s numbers in 2026

However, kickers must be mentally tough, and it’s clear Butker is struggling under pressure right now. So far in the 2026 NFL season, Butker has made 12 of 18 field goal attempts (66.7%), including an abysmal 2-for-7 mark on attempts from 50-plus yards.

Key takeaways

• Justin Tucker signed to the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad, putting pressure on Harrison Butker.
• A 54-yard field goal was missed by Harrison Butker late against the Denver Broncos.
• A 66.7% conversion rate marks Harrison Butker making 12 of 18 field goals in 2026.

Signing Hill carries an extremely affordable price tag for general manager Brett Veach. Because he remains unsigned while recovering from knee surgery, Hill will cost near the veteran minimum. The bargain contract avoids salary cap complications for Kansas City’s front office.

However, off-field concerns and medical timelines make an immediate signing complicated for Kansas City. While Hill offers cheap veteran speed, the Chiefs might lean into their young stars. Per Dan Graziano of ESPN, “The Chiefs, they have guys… Rashee Rice was a second-round pick. Xavier Worthy was a first-round pick!.. Guys like that are supposed to be the solutions.”

Is Tyreek Hill still a weapon that could solve Chiefs issues?

Hill remains one of the most explosive deep threats across the NFL when healthy. His blazing speed commands safety help over the top and creates massive intermediate throwing windows for Patrick Mahomes. Reinserting Hill into Andy Reid’s scheme would immediately reignite Kansas City’s vertical passing game.

However, relying on veteran speed alone carries undeniable risk for an offense chasing a Super Bowl title. Gruesome injuries and natural wear have chipped away at Hill’s consistency, given how much time he’s had to recover.

The Chiefs should go for a blockbuster name

If Kansas City decides to bypass Hill, the team should target younger franchise cornerstones across the league. Garrett Wilson would provide Mahomes with an elite separator who excels against man coverage. While the New York Jets hesitate to move him, a premium draft package could test their resolve.

Alternatively, the Chiefs could pursue Houston standout Nico Collins or Dallas playmaker George Pickens to inject physical contested-catch ability. Collins offers prototypical size on early downs, while Pickens creates consistent chunk gains outside the numbers. Sacrificing top draft picks for a premier young receiver ensures Mahomes retains an elite weapon for years.

Key takeaways

• Tyreek Hill remains an unrestricted free agent following his Miami Dolphins stint.
• Tyreek Hill would cost near the veteran minimum while recovering from knee surgery.
• Dan Graziano reported Kansas City views Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy as solutions.

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.

“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.

Despite a stellar rookie campaign where he amassed over 1,200 receiving yards, Thomas has seen his role fluctuate in Jacksonville’s offense this season, leading to growing frustration and relentless trade speculation. ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler provided a comprehensive breakdown of the market for Thomas, identifying two premier AFC contenders actively exploring receiver help.

“You have teams in the WR market like the Chiefs or the Steelers. Here’s how this could play out: the Jaguars have not totally committed to trading Brian Thomas right now. He’s in and out of the lineup. He would welcome a change at this point most likely. Teams are certainly interested.”

Why timing is critical for a Brian Thomas Jr. trade

For competing front offices hoping to land Brian Thomas Jr., patience and timing will dictate how quickly negotiations unfold. Jacksonville faces a condensed game schedule that temporarily pauses major transactional moves. Fowler highlighted the specific calendar window that could spark official trade talks:

“They play Sunday and then Thursday night again against the Ravens,” Fowler noted. “So, nothing would happen before then most likely. But after that, things could heat up.”

With Jacksonville playing on Sunday vs. the Colts before turning around for a Thursday Night Football clash against Baltimore, interim trade discussions are expected to remain on hold until Friday, November 6. That leaves a tight, high-pressure four-day window prior to the official November 10 deadline for interested general managers to finalize a deal.

Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers monitoring the market

Both Kansas City and Pittsburgh represent logical, high-impact landing spots for Thomas:

• Kansas City Chiefs: Continually seeking dynamic vertical playmakers to expand their passing attack, Kansas City views Thomas as a buy-low asset with game-changing upside.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Searching for consistent perimeter speed to complement their offense, Pittsburgh has maintained active interest in acquiring young wide receiver talent under contract. They need help for Aaron Rodgers.

If Thomas capitalizes on his remaining opportunities before the Thursday night game, his market value will peak just as the post-game trading window officially opens.

Key takeaways

• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers are eyeing Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
• Thomas “would welcome a change” after experiencing inconsistent snap counts in Jacksonville’s rotation.
• Trade talks are expected to heat up immediately after Jacksonville’s Thursday night game against the Ravens, giving suitors a brief four-day window before the Nov. 10 deadline.

Harvey popped up on Thursday’s injury report with knee soreness before missing Friday’s final workout completely. His absence vs Chiefs arrives during a critical stretch as Denver continues to navigate aggressive trade rumors for Indianapolis Colts superstar Jonathan Taylor.

Sean Payton must now alter his offensive backfield approach against a fierce division rival. Without Harvey available, Denver needs other contributors to step up while front-office trade talks develop in the background.

Harvey’s role is more of a pass-catching back

Payton utilizes Harvey primarily as an elusive, pass-catching specialist rather than a traditional between-the-tackles grinder. Through six games this season, Harvey has logged 25 receptions for 217 receiving yards and a touchdown on 28 targets. The running game also involves JK Dobbins, a veteran.

In contrast, he has handled only 24 rushing carries for 87 yards on the ground. His unique route-running ability creates quick separation on third downs, leaving a noticeable void for quarterback Bo Nix on passing downs.

Jonah Coleman should step as RB1 as Taylor’s situation develops

Rookie Jonah Coleman now has an open path to claim primary backfield duties against Kansas City. Coleman delivered a standout effort last week in Arizona, and is poised to get more and more touches as the weeks go by. That, of course, if nothing changes with the Jonathan Taylor situation.

His sudden emergence gives Payton a reliable downhill weapon who also ran routes on passing downs last Sunday. With Coleman commanding the backfield and trade discussions involving Taylor still looming, Denver will lean heavily on its rookie runner to anchor the offense.

Key takeaways

• RJ Harvey has been ruled out for Denver’s game against Kansas City.
• RJ Harvey recorded 25 receptions for 217 receiving yards through six games this season.
• Rookie Jonah Coleman steps into primary backfield duties for the Denver Broncos.

“He’s such a physical receiver. He does such a great job in the zone concepts, getting himself open and being physical against man. Having him back will be big to help take some pressure off the other guys…,” Mahomes said during his press conference.

Although No. 15 has other options at his disposal, having Rice back could give the team a significant boost. With the Denver Broncos as their next target, the Chiefs are looking to get back on track and return to winning ways.

Why do the Chiefs need Rice back?

Chiefs Kingdom have really missed Rashee Rice over their last two games after he went down with a hamstring injury early in Week 4. Before the setback, Rice was quickly proving to be Patrick Mahomes‘ most trusted rhythm receiver and top target on quick-slants and YAC opportunities, putting up 13 receptions for 190 yards (an explosive 14.6 yards per catch) and a touchdown in his first three games.

Without his ability to consistently beat zone coverage and create instant separation underneath, the Chiefs’ passing attack has looked noticeably stiffer, forcing Kansas City to rely far more heavily on Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce to carry the passing load.

Eagerly awaiting Rice’s return

Injuries have sidelined Rashee Rice for the last two games, and now the focus is on whether he will be able to take the field at Empower Field at Mile High next weekend.

Although there has been no official confirmation, Andy Reid indicated that all his players are expected to participate in practice this week, suggesting that Rice could have a chance to return to the starting lineup.

Chiefs’ upcoming games

Looking past their Week 8 clash in Denver, the Chiefs have a solid November stretch lined up. First, they head back home to Arrowhead Stadium to host the New York Jets on Sunday, November 8 (Week 9).

Then, they go on the road to face the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, November 15 (Week 10). Finally, they return to Kansas City to take on the Arizona Cardinals at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, November 22 (Week 11).

Key takeaways

• Patrick Mahomes praised Rashee Rice, noting his return will relieve pressure on other receivers.
• Rashee Rice recorded 13 receptions for 190 yards and a touchdown before his injury.
• The Chiefs visit the Denver Broncos at Empower Field on Sunday, November 1.

The proposal caught co-host Nick Wright by surprise, but after evaluating Houston’s recent roster moves and standings trajectory, Wright acknowledged the hypothetical deal as a legitimate long-shot scenario worth monitoring for the Chiefs.

Jennings’ argument centers on Houston’s evolving receiver room following their recent acquisition of Marvin Harrison Jr. via trade from the Arizona Cardinals. With the 2-5 Texans struggling to stay afloat in the AFC South standings and holding substantial draft capital investments, Jennings suggested that another loss before the November 10 trade deadline could force Houston’s front office to consider liquidating veteran contracts.

Will Chiefs trade for WR?

Many reports have mentioned that’s imminent. Nico Collins could be that option. While the likelihood of Houston trading their No. 1 wide receiver remains slim, inserting Collins into Andy Reid’s offense would instantly create the most formidable receiving corps in football alongside Patrick Mahomes.

Several key factors explain why a potential move for Collins would eliminate Kansas City’s interest in Tyreek Hill:

• Inadvertent Roster Depth: Following the trade for Marvin Harrison Jr., Houston possesses depth at WR, potentially making Collins’ contract negotiable if the Texans pivot toward a full re-tool.
• Immediate Prime Production: Unlike Hill, who remains in long-term rehabilitation following major knee reconstruction, Collins is in his physical prime and capable of serving as a true X-receiver immediately.
• Long-Term Asset Allocation: Acquiring Collins would require premium draft capital—likely starting with a first-round pick—which would absorb all of Kansas City’s available trade resources and rule out secondary veteran signings.

How likely is a Nico Collins trade before the deadline?

Despite the buzz generated on First Things First, executing a trade for Collins presents massive organizational hurdles for both franchises. Houston general manager Nick Caserio signed Collins to a three-year extension, and the front office considers him a fundamental piece alongside young quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Furthermore, with Houston attempting to integrate Harrison Jr. into their offensive scheme, trading away their established primary target mid-season would significantly handicap Stroud’s development down the stretch.

Unless Houston suffers a catastrophic collapse over the next two weeks and receives an unprecedented multi-pick offer from Brett Veach, Collins will almost certainly remain in Texas. However, Jennings’ proposal highlights the growing urgency in Kansas City to secure an elite perimeter weapon before the trade market closes.

Will Chiefs go after Tyreek Hill?

In this scenario, it’s highly unlikely. Many reports suggest the Chiefs are looking for other options. A main reason for that is all the uncertainty surrounding Hill’s recovery process from his knee injury.

Key takeaways

• Greg Jennings suggested Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins as a trade candidate for the Chiefs on First Things First.
• Jennings argued that Houston’s trade for Marvin Harrison Jr. and 2-5 record could make Collins available if the Texans lose again before the deadline.
• Acquiring an elite, healthy target like Collins would completely close the door on a Tyreek Hill reunion in Kansas City.

The move, reported by The Kansas City Star’s Sam McDowell on X, aims to add experience and credibility to a unit that has struggled for some time. Butker will now face competition in the kicking department in the near future.

Although Tucker has been one of the most reliable kickers in the league in recent years, he has not taken the field in quite some time. His last NFL game was the Baltimore Ravens’ AFC Divisional Round playoff matchup against the Buffalo Bills on January 19, 2025, when he went 2-for-2 on field goals and 1-for-1 on extra-point attempts.

Butker under pressure

Harrison Butker has hit a serious rough patch for the Chiefs in this 2026 season. Normally one of the most reliable legs in the game, he’s been visibly struggling with accuracy—especially on deep kicks.

Through the first six games, Butker is sitting at just 11-of-16 on field goals (a poor 68.8% success rate) and has even missed an extra point (14-of-15). The main headache has been long-range attempts, going a brutal 2-for-6 from 50+ yards, which is leaving key points on the board and forcing Kansas City to second-guess late-game kick decisions.

Experience and talent on the practice squad

Known as one of the most accurate placekickers in NFL history, Tucker boasts elite career marks: an 88.2% field goal success rate, 395 made field goals, a Super Bowl XLVII ring, 7 Pro Bowl selections, and the record for the longest field goal in league history at 66 yards.

While he comes off a 10-game league suspension that kept him sidelined throughout 2025, Kansas City is betting big that his ice-cold mentality and proven range will add instant high-stakes stability when every single point counts.

Key takeaways

• Kansas City Chiefs added Justin Tucker to their practice squad.
• Justin Tucker last played on January 19, 2025, for the Baltimore Ravens against Buffalo.
• Harrison Butker has made only 11-of-16 field goals through six games this season.