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Derwin James Jr. an IR Candidate After Suffering Hamstring Setback
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (hamstring) is now a candidate to land on Injured Reserve after suffering a setback with his hamstring injury, head coach Jim Harbaugh told Noah Furtado of The Athletic. Before the Chargers' Week 7 bye, James missed two consecutive games with his hamstring injury, and now the 30-year-old could miss at least four more games as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams this weekend. Without James, the winless Chargers will be even more vulnerable in the secondary, which is not a great time to face the Rams' offense, even without All-Pro receiver Davante Adams (hamstring). The former 17th overall pick in 2018 from Florida State is no stranger to injury, playing in only five games in his sophomore season in 2019 and missing the entire 2020 campaign due to a knee injury. Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson, and Genesis Smith should all see more playing time in L.A.'s secondary until James can make his way back.
Source: The Athletic - Noah Furtado
Source: The Athletic - Noah Furtado
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Ladd McConkey Is Back on the Practice Field in a Non-Contact Jersey
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (concussion) participated in Monday's unofficial bonus practice wearing a non-contact jersey following the Chargers' Week 7 bye, an encouraging sign for his recovery. He remains in the league's concussion protocol but is expected to practice Wednesday, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh, via Alex Insdorf. McConkey suffered the injury during Los Angeles' Week 6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, finishing with one reception for 17 yards before exiting. Keandre Lambert-Smith drew a team-high nine targets against Kansas City and could remain heavily involved if McConkey is unable to play. His actual Wednesday participation level has not yet been confirmed, however, and he still needs medical clearance before returning for Sunday's Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Brian Robinson Not Seen at Wednesday's Practice
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson (hamstring) was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Wednesday, according to Daniel Flick of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It is a bad start to Week 8 preparation after Robinson was unavailable for the Week 7 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. With B-Rob sidelined last weekend with his hamstring injury, Khalil Herbert handled 16% of the offensive snaps and had two carries for nine yards and just one reception for a 19-yard gain. Starter Bijan Robinson had 20 rushing attempts for 63 yards and caught five passes for 59 yards while playing 80% of the offensive snaps. Brian Robinson still has two more chances to get back on the practice field this week, but as of right now, he is on the wrong side of questionable to suit up this Sunday on the road against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 27-year-old has been on the flex radar when healthy in 2026 as the backup to Bijan, handling 53 rushing attempts for 211 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and four touchdowns while catching five of his six targets for 30 yards as a receiver. He already has more rushing touchdowns this year than he did in 17 games with the 49ers in 2025.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Daniel Flick
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Daniel Flick
Garrett Wilson Says Trade Request Isn't in His Plans
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught two passes for 26 yards on just three targets in Sunday's 28-25 loss to the Miami Dolphins, and he has drawn only nine targets over his past two games. That has fueled frustration with his involvement in New York's offense, although offensive coordinator Frank Reich acknowledged in Week 7 that the Jets need to involve him earlier. Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic previously reported that New York has no intention of trading Wilson, who signed a four-year, $130 million extension in 2025 that keeps him under contract through 2030. Wilson said Wednesday, according to Rosenblatt, that he will not request a trade despite ongoing speculation about his future, acknowledging he has seen the rumors circulating on social media but is focused on controlling what he can control.
Source: Zack Rosenblatt
Source: Zack Rosenblatt
Harrison Butker Likely to Kick in Week 8 for Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that kicker Harrison Butker will "probably" kick this Sunday in the Week 8 game on the road against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star. Butker is on shaky ground in his 10th year in the NFL with the Chiefs after missing five of his 16 field-goal attempts and one of his 15 extra points in the team's first six games of the season, especially after the club signed free-agent veteran Justin Tucker on Wednesday as insurance in case he continues to struggle. So far this year, Butker has made a career-low 68.8% of his field-goal attempts, including going only 2-for-6 from long range (50-plus yards). About the only thing working in his favor this week for fantasy purposes is the fact that he will be kicking in the thin air in Denver, which should help his range. Otherwise, fantasy managers should treat him as a shaky, borderline starting kicker after he missed two of his three field-goal attempts in last Sunday's 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Source: The Kansas City Star - Sam McDowell
Source: The Kansas City Star - Sam McDowell
Antonio Williams Is Getting a Bigger Piece of Washington's Offense
Washington Commanders wide receiver Antonio Williams has played at least 67% of the offensive snaps in three consecutive games after failing to reach 50% in any of his first three appearances. He caught three of four targets for 50 yards against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6, for season totals of 18 receptions for 205 yards and one touchdown on 26 targets, though he has drawn just seven targets over his past two games. The rookie is positioned for a larger role following Terry McLaurin's (knee) season-ending injury, with head coach Dan Quinn identifying him as someone who should receive more targets. That planned increase gives him legitimate breakout potential, so he is worth adding in 10-team PPR leagues and deeper, with WR3/flex upside if the targets materialize against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8. Quinn said Williams could see greater volume without necessarily assuming McLaurin's outside receiving responsibilities, while Stefon Diggs' workload is expected to remain relatively unchanged.
Source: JP Finalay
Source: JP Finalay
Matthew Golden Questionable for Thursday Night Against Panthers
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (shoulder, foot) has drawn 25 targets over his past two games, including 12 against the Detroit Lions in Week 7, when he caught six passes for 39 yards, but he is questionable for Thursday night's Week 8 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. His potential absence would leave a significant amount of recent passing volume available for other receivers, particularly Christian Watson and Savion Williams. Williams caught all three of his targets for 47 yards against the Lions and could see additional opportunities if Golden is sidelined. Golden was listed as an estimated nonparticipant Monday and Tuesday but was promoted to limited participation on Wednesday, suggesting he is trending in the right direction to suit up. If he were to play, he would carry high-end WR2 upside in all formats.
Source: Matt Schneidman
Source: Matt Schneidman
Ryan Fitzgerald a Better Deep-League Fantasy Option for Week 8
Carolina kicker Ryan Fitzgerald is looking to improve his numbers as the team takes on Green Bay on Thursday to kick off Week 8. The Packers have allowed the fewest points to opposing kickers this season, so the matchup does not favor Fitzgerald. The kicker could still rack up some fantasy points, especially if the Carolina offense can move the ball, but not finish drives. Fitzgerald has made all 11 of his field goals this season, but has missed five of his 17 extra point attempts. He missed one of his two extra point tries last week, and four of his five misses have come across his past three appearances. Fitzgerald had no field goal attempts in Week 7, which was a lopsided loss for Carolina to Tampa Bay. He sits 16th among kickers in our RotoBaller Week 8 projections. Fitzgerald has some deep-league appeal, but he's one to avoid in standard leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tommy Tremble Faces Stiff Challenge in Week 8
Carolina tight end Tommy Tremble has provided a bit of fantasy value this season, but his Week 8 test against Green Bay on Thursday will be a tough challenge. The Packers' defense has slowed tight ends all season, and with Tremble already sharing snaps and production with fellow tight end Darren Waller, that doesn't leave Tremble with a very good outlook. Tremble had just one catch for eight yards across two targets in Week 7 against Tampa Bay. In the three games before that, the TE had four targets in each contest, but 41, 12 and 46 yards - he scored his lone two touchdowns of the season in Week 6. After Waller and especially wide receivers Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, there's not a lot of production available for Tremble in the passing game. He sits as TE32 in our RotoBaller Week 8 projections, so he's just a starting option in deeper fantasy setups.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
A.J. Brown Still Trying to Get his Explosiveness Back?
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown has not looked the same since returning from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. "Yeah, sometimes. Sometimes I see it, and sometimes I'm pushing through. But none of that stuff really matters. I'm out here, so...," Brown said when asked if he is still trying to get his explosiveness back, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. The 29-year-old three-time Pro Bowler is still searching for his first touchdown in a Patriots uniform and has six receptions on 16 targets for 75 yards in two games since returning from Injured Reserve. He was slightly better in last Thursday night's loss to the Chicago Bears, catching three of his six targets for 48 yards, but fantasy managers are looking for more as we near the halfway point of the 2026 season. The good news for Brown's frustrated fantasy managers is that he should be more effective as he slowly gets back to 100% health. If Brown has another dud this Sunday against the one-win Miami Dolphins, the concerns will only grow for the veteran pass-catcher.
Source: ESPN.com - Mike Reiss
Source: ESPN.com - Mike Reiss
Darren Waller a Low-Level Fantasy Option in Tough Matchup
Carolina tight end Darren Waller has a very tough test awaiting in Week 8 against Green Bay on Thursday night. The Packers have been one of the toughest matchups for fantasy tight ends so far, and Waller himself hasn't delivered much, so the tight end is a low-level fantasy option for the coming week. Waller was a bit involved across the team's first four games, tallying at least two catches and 28 yards in each contest, but he's managed just one catch across the past two games combined. The reception was a 50-yard touchdown in Week 7 against Tampa Bay, so he still put up a solid fantasy score, but the bigger takeaway is his lack of involvement lately. He slots in 21st among tight ends in our RotoBaller Week 8 projections, showing he is a better option in deeper fantasy setups.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Aaron Jones Sr. Will be Absent on Wednesday
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that running back Aaron Jones Sr. (knee) will not practice on Wednesday, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Jones is considered day-to-day after aggravating a pre-existing knee injury. The 31-year-old veteran's injury is not believed to be serious, but it puts his availability in question for the upcoming Week 8 matchup on the road against the division-rival Detroit Lions. Jones was effective as the Vikings' bell-cow back early in the year with Jordan Mason on Injured Reserve due to a thumb injury, but with Mason returning in last week's victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Jones' role took a sharp drop, as he handled a season-low eight rushing attempts for 26 yards and caught his only target in the passing game for no gain. It came after he had a season-high 25 carries for 113 yards and a score in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints. If both Jones and Mason are healthy, Jones is going to operate in a backfield timeshare, which will make him a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex option. Fantasy managers should be preparing for the possibility of being without Jones this weekend in Motown.
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Jalen Coker Off Injury Report, Ready for Favorable Week 8 Matchup
Carolina wide receiver Jalen Coker spent time on the injury report this week, but he's been cleared to play in Week 8 against Green Bay on Thursday night. Coker was on the injury report with a shoulder ailment, being listed as limited on Monday, but becoming a full practice participant for Tuesday and Wednesday. He's coming off his worst game of the season in Week 7 against Tampa Bay. Coker managed just one reception for nine yards across four targets in that one. He's also delivered three good fantasy showings across his other four appearances, so he's been a pretty steady fantasy option. Green Bay has struggled at times to slow opposing wide receivers, so Coker is set up to bounce back. Of course, Coker is the team's No. 2 wideout behind Tetairoa McMillan, making Coker a better flex-level option in standard leagues. He checks in as WR15 in our RotoBaller Week 8 projections, so the matchup is getting him into most fantasy starting lineups. Now that he's off the injury report, fantasy owners should feel more confident in the young wideout delivering on Thursday night.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
DJ Moore Will Practice on Wednesday
Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore (shoulder) will return to practice on Wednesday after missing the last two games, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. Head coach Joe Brady said it was tough for Moore to sit, but "for him, it was the best thing to do." The Bills will see how Moore responds in practice this week, but it is a good early sign for his availability in a Week 8 clash against the Baltimore Ravens. It is excellent news for Buffalo's offense and for fantasy managers who have been itching to get Moore back into their starting lineups. The 29-year-old former 24th overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2018 from Maryland was the Bills' big offseason acquisition in a trade with the Chicago Bears, and he made an immediate impact in the Week 1 win over the Houston Texans, catching five of his eight targets for 100 yards and a touchdown. However, Moore sprained the AC joint in his shoulder in the Week 2 win over the Detroit Lions and gave his fantasy managers a donut. If back to full health, Moore should return as one of quarterback Josh Allen's favorite targets this weekend, which will lower both Khalil Shakir's and Keon Coleman's ceiling and floor.
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Tetairoa McMillan Lined Up for Good Fantasy Outing in Week 8
Carolina wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is set up to succeed in the team's Week 8 Thursday night clash against Green Bay. The Packers have struggled a bit to slow opposing fantasy wide receivers this season, even though they've allowed just 208 passing yards per contest. McMillan is coming off a down game against Tampa Bay in Week 7 - he mustered just 40 yards across four receptions and six targets. He's otherwise been a pretty solid fantasy starting option, and he could return to that level thanks to this week's matchup. McMillan could also take on more with wideout Jalen Coker dealing with a shoulder injury, although Coker doesn't have an injury designation for Thursday and was a full practice participant on Tuesday and Wednesday. McMillan sits as WR14 in our RotoBaller Week 8 rankings, so he's another Panther to be starting in all leagues this week.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ja'Marr Chase Not Present at Wednesday's Practice
Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (undisclosed) was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Wednesday, which was unexpected, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. Chase did not appear to suffer any sort of injury in the Week 7 win over the division-rival Baltimore Ravens after catching five of his seven targets for 62 yards and a touchdown, his second straight week finding the end zone. We will have more information on why Chase was not on the practice field when it comes out, as well as whether he is questionable to play in Week 8 in a juicy matchup against the one-win Tennessee Titans. If Chase is dealing with an injury that ends up keeping him sidelined this Sunday, Tee Higgins would become quarterback Joe Burrow's go-to target in the passing game. Chase has been as advertised as an elite WR1 again so far in 2026, catching 32 of his 45 targets for 351 yards and five touchdowns through six games played.
Source: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.
Source: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.
Emeka Egbuka Returns to Individual Drills on Wednesday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot), who missed the team's Week 7 blowout win over the Panthers, took part in individual drills on Wednesday, but head coach Todd Bowles told reporters he would need to do more on Thursday to progress toward a return. Prior to sustaining a concussion and foot injury, the second-year receiver had topped 14 fantasy points in back-to-back weeks, snapping a streak of single-digit outings that dated all the way back to Week 11 of his rookie season. While he is trending toward a Week 8 return, he is by no means a lock to be plugged directly back into lineups, as his two best games of the season came with rookie Jalon Daniels under center, while Baker Mayfield was asked to throw the ball only 11 times in his return from a thumb injury.
Source: Scott Smith
Source: Scott Smith
Chuba Hubbard Primed for Big Showing in Favorable Week 8 Matchup
Carolina running back Chuba Hubbard is set up for success in the team's Week 8 Thursday night game against Green Bay. The Packers have struggled to slow opposing backs so far, allowing 115 rushing yards per contest. Like most of his offensive teammates, Hubbard will be looking to bounce back after a rough showing in Week 7 against Tampa Bay. The RB had just 33 rushing yards on seven attempts, while catching four of his five targets for 27 yards. Hubbard had been over 100 total yards in the three contests before that, so he'll be looking to get back on track in Week 8. While his matchup is favorable, Hubbard will be running behind a couple of new offensive linemen as Taylor Moton (fibula) and Damien Lewis (knee) are each out, so expectations for Hubbard need to be tempered a bit. Hubbard sits ninth among fantasy RBs in our RotoBaller Week 8 rankings, so he's one to be starting in all leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Rhamondre Stevenson a Reliable RB2 with Pass-Catching Upside
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has topped 12 fantasy points in four of seven contests and ranks as the RB17 through seven weeks. Aided by an unlikely 48-yard catch-and-run touchdown to end the first half of the team's Week 7 primetime tilt with the Bears, Stevenson's 204 receiving yards rank 7th among all NFL backs, and his brilliance as a blocker will continue to put him in position to contribute in the passing game. Already a high-upside RB2, he draws a favorable matchup in Week 8, facing a Dolphins defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points above expectation to the position, and he is RotoBaller's RB21 for the week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
