This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 8 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.
Week 9 is already upon us, as the injury report is absolutely loaded with comings and goings. There are some big names coming off injured reserve at multiple positions, several notable COVID-19-related absences, and some star players with very iffy statuses coming into Sunday morning. Without further ado, let's break down the latest on the injury front:
QUARTERBACKS
The Cardinals' Kyler Murray (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers after missing practice all week. As per early Sunday morning reports, Murray will test his ankle in pregame warmups before a final decision is reached on his status. If he's ultimately deemed unable to go, veteran Colt McCoy will man Arizona's offense and will be working with a short-handed receiver corps that will be down A.J. Green (reserve/COVID-19) and potentially, DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring).
The Packers' Aaron Rodgers (reserve/COVID-19) will not play in Sunday's interconference showdown against the Chiefs after testing positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. Second-year pro Jordan Love will draw the start in Rodgers' place against a Chiefs defense allowing the second-most Fantasy points per game to quarterbacks (26.3) in standard scoring formats.
The Cowboys' Dak Prescott (calf) is off the injury report for Sunday's game against the Broncos after a one-game absence, sending Cooper Rush, who helped lead an
This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 8 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.
Week 9 is already upon us, as the injury report is absolutely loaded with comings and goings. There are some big names coming off injured reserve at multiple positions, several notable COVID-19-related absences, and some star players with very iffy statuses coming into Sunday morning. Without further ado, let's break down the latest on the injury front:
QUARTERBACKS
The Cardinals' Kyler Murray (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers after missing practice all week. As per early Sunday morning reports, Murray will test his ankle in pregame warmups before a final decision is reached on his status. If he's ultimately deemed unable to go, veteran Colt McCoy will man Arizona's offense and will be working with a short-handed receiver corps that will be down A.J. Green (reserve/COVID-19) and potentially, DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring).
The Packers' Aaron Rodgers (reserve/COVID-19) will not play in Sunday's interconference showdown against the Chiefs after testing positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. Second-year pro Jordan Love will draw the start in Rodgers' place against a Chiefs defense allowing the second-most Fantasy points per game to quarterbacks (26.3) in standard scoring formats.
The Cowboys' Dak Prescott (calf) is off the injury report for Sunday's game against the Broncos after a one-game absence, sending Cooper Rush, who helped lead an upset win over the Vikings in Week 8, back to the bench.
The Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa (finger) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Texans after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Tagovailoa were unable to go, Jacoby Brissett, who started three games in Tagovailoa's stead earlier in the season when the latter was on injured reserve, would get the call again.
The Panthers' Sam Darnold has cleared concussion protocol as per early Sunday morning reports and will start against the Patriots on Sunday.
The Texans' Tyrod Taylor (hamstring) was activated from injured reserve Saturday and will start against the Dolphins on Sunday following a six-game absence.
The Saints' Jameis Winston (knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday with the multiple ligament tears he suffered in Week 8 against the Buccaneers. However, Taysom Hill, who has missed the last two games with a concussion, cleared protocol Friday and will serve as Trevor Siemian's backup Sunday against the Falcons.
RUNNING BACKS
The Panthers' Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, but per Saturday reports, the star running back will still be evaluated by the team's medical staff Sunday morning to determine his Week 9 status. If McCaffrey is limited in any way, rookie Chuba Hubbard should continue to see a solid role out of Carolina's backfield.
The Giants' Saquon Barkley (ankle) is out for Sunday's matchup against the Raiders after once again missing practice all week. Devontae Booker, who's averaged 17.3 touches and 86.7 yards per game in Barkley's stead, will continue to enjoy lead-back status versus Las Vegas as a result.
The 49ers' Elijah Mitchell (ribs) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals after getting in only Thursday and Friday limited practices this week. As per early Sunday morning reports, Mitchell is expected to play, although the team is uncertain how long he might be able to go. If he suffers any setbacks, Jeff Wilson, who was just activated from the PUP list Saturday after finishing his recovery from May knee surgery, and JaMycal Hasty will be in line for more work.
The Jaguars' James Robinson (heel) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills after only managing a limited Friday practice this week. As per early Sunday morning reports, Robinson's status is likely to come down to pregame warmups. If he's unable to go, veteran Carlos Hyde would be in line for a spot start.
The Ravens' Latavius Murray (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Vikings after missing practice all week. In his absence, Devonta Freeman, Ty'Son Williams and Le'Veon Bell will be in line to handle backfield duties versus Minnesota.
The Chargers' Justin Jackson (quadriceps) is out for Sunday's game against the Eagles after missing practice all week. Larry Rountree could be in line to serve as Austin Ekeler's primary backup as a result.
The Bears' Damien Williams (knee) is out for Monday night's game against the Steelers. Khalil Herbert will continue to helm Chicago's backfield as a result, while Ryan Nall will be in line to serve as his primary backup.
The Bengals' Chris Evans (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Browns after practicing in limited fashion all week. An absence by Evans would likely lead to more work for Samaje Perine behind Joe Mixon.
WIDE RECEIVERS
The Titans' A.J. Brown (knee) is questionable for Sunday night's game against the Rams after missing Friday's practice. If Brown is unable to go versus Los Angeles, Julio Jones, who's cleared of the hamstring issue that has plagued him of late, will take on an every bigger role as Tennessee's top wideout.
The Cardinals' DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers after missing practice all week. As per early Sunday reports, there is pessimism Hopkins will be able to suit up, but he'll be tested in pregame warmups. If he ultimately sits out Christian Kirk and Rondale Moore would be in line to serve as Arizona's top two wideouts with A.J. Green (COVID-19 protocols) also unavailable.
The Giants' Kenny Golladay (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders after finishing the week with two limited practices. If Golladay is forced to sit out a Saturday beat writer reports indicate is trending toward playing, sits out a fourth straight game, Kadarius Toney and Darius Slayton are in line to serve as New York's top two receivers.
The Cowboys' Amari Cooper (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos after practicing in limited fashion all week. As per Friday beat writer reports, Cooper is expected to suit up versus Denver despite the questionable designation.
The Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos after sandwiching a pair of limited practices around a missed Thursday session. As per Friday beat writer reports, Lamb is expected to suit up versus Denver despite the questionable designation.
The 49ers' Deebo Samuel (calf) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals after finishing the week with two limited practices. As per early Sunday reports, Samuel is expected to suit up and the team hopes he'll be able to play through the entirety of the contest.
The Browns' Odell Beckham (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against the Bengals and will be waived by Cleveland on Monday. Donovan Peoples-Jones (groin) and Anthony Schwartz are expected to help fill Beckham's downfield role.
The Bills' Cole Beasley (ribs) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after only managing a limited Friday practice this week. If he's unable to suit up against Jacksonville, Gabriel Davis would bump up to No. 3 receiver duties.
The Cardinals' A.J. Green (reserve/COVID-19) is out for Sunday's game against the 49ers, bumping Christian Kirk up a notch on the wideout depth chart.
The Falcons' Calvin Ridley (personal) will be away from the team until further notice. Russell Gage becomes Atlanta's de facto No. 1 receiver in his absence, while Tajae Sharpe should enjoy a larger role as the No. 2 option.
The Rams' Robert Woods (foot) is questionable for Sunday night's game against the Titans after only managing a limited Friday practice this week. Van Jefferson would move up to No. 2 receiver duties should Woods sit out.
The Ravens' Sammy Watkins (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings after practicing in limited fashion Thursday and Friday.
The Bears' Darnell Mooney (groin) is questionable for Monday night's game versus the Steelers after turning in limited practices Friday and Saturday. Marquise Goodwin would move into the No. 2 receiver role if Mooney can't go.
The Dolphins' DeVante Parker (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for the next three games at minimum. Jaylen Waddle moves into the top wideout spot in his absence.
The Giants' Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against the Raiders.
The Giants' John Ross (quadriceps) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders.
The Giants' Dante Pettis (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for the next three games at minimum.
The Patriots' N'Keal Harry (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
The Browns' Donovan Peoples-Jones (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
The Ravens' Rashod Bateman (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
TIGHT ENDS
The 49ers' George Kittle (calf) was activated from injured reserve Saturday and will play Sunday against the Cardinals, although Saturday reports indicate he'll be on a certain play count. Consequently, backup Ross Dwelley should still see a solid workload behind him.
The Steelers' Eric Ebron (hamstring) is out for Monday night's game against the Bears, leaving rookie Pat Freiermuth set for another start.
The Bills' Dawson Knox (hand) is out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
The Broncos' Noah Fant (reserve/COVID-19) will not play Sunday against the Cowboys.
The Broncos' Albert Okwuegbunam (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.
The Patriots' Jonnu Smith (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
The Browns' Harrison Bryant (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
The Cowboys' Blake Jarwin (hip) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining for at least the next three games.
The Texans' Pharaoh Brown (thigh) is out for Sunday's game versus the Dolphins.
KICKERS
The Patriots' Nick Folk (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Cornerbacks
The Browns' Denzel Ward (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
The Chargers' Michael Davis (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against the Eagles.
The Rams' Jalen Ramsey (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans.
Safeties
The Patriots' Kyle Dugger (neck) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
The Bears' Eddie Jackson (hamstring) is doubtful for Monday night's game against the Steelers.
The Saints' Malcolm Jenkins (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons.
The Bills' Jordan Poyer (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
The 49ers' Jimmie Ward (quadriceps) is out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Defensive Linemen
The Browns' Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
The 49ers' Dee Ford (back) was activated from injured reserve Saturday.
The Cardinals' J.J. Watt (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Saturday and he'll be sidelined the rest of the season.
Linebackers
The Dolphins' Jerome Baker (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Texans.
The Vikings' Anthony Barr (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens.
The Patriots' Kyle Van Noy (groin) is questionable to face the Panthers on Sunday.
The Bears' Khalil Mack (foot) is out for Monday night's game against the Steelers.
The Patriots' Dont'a Hightower (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
The Rams' Von Miller (ankle) is questionable for Sunday night's game against the Titans.
The Titans' Rashaan Evans (ankle) is out for Sunday night's game against the Rams.
The Texans' Christian Kirksey (thumb) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for the next three games at minimum.
