Week 8 NFL Injury Shockers: Which Fantasy Football Stars Are on the Brink of Ruin?

Here we are, barreling toward the midpoint of the 2025 NFL campaign, and Week 8 is upon us—infamously dubbed “bye-mageddon.” Yup, six teams—the Lions, Raiders, Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks, and Jaguars—are hitting the pause button this week, throwing a wrench in fantasy lineups everywhere. With half the teams off the slate and injury reports piling up like a stacked deck, fantasy managers are likely scrambling, scratching their heads, and maybe even sweating bullets as they scramble to adjust their rosters. Lucky for you, I’ve got the latest injury intel and some sharp fantasy insights on the players who matter most as we navigate this chaotic stretch. Buckle up, because this week’s report isn’t for the faint of heart! LEARN MORE

We’re almost halfway through the 2025 NFL season and we’ve made it to what is popularly known as “bye-mageddon” in Week 8. There are six teams who will have byes — the Lions, Raiders, Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks and Jaguars. With so many teams off the schedule and plenty of injuries to note, fantasy football managers may be scrambling to fill out their lineups. We’re here to help with the latest NFL injury report with some fantasy analysis for the most important players.

Week 7 injury recap

Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders (hamstring): Daniels exited in the second half against the Cowboys with a hamstring injury. The QB was seen grabbing the back of his leg before being helped off. He was able to jog to the locker room, which seemed to be a good sign. Still, this is the second injury of the season for Daniels, who missed Weeks 3 and 4 due to a knee injury. Daniels underwent an MRI on Monday and head coach Dan Quinn told reporters the injury isn’t believed to be anything long-term, but the QB has already reportedly been ruled out ahead of the team’s MNF matchup vs. the Chiefs. Marcus Mariota will start in Daniels’ stead, pretty much downgrading all fantasy assets for the Commanders.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens (hamstring): All signs point to Jackson returning to the lineup for Week 8 against the Bears. He missed two games prior to the Ravens’ bye week in Week 7. To say things haven’t gone as planned for Baltimore this season would be an understatement. At 1-5, the team will need to do a lot of catching up to get back into the playoff picture in the AFC. Jackson’s return is a boost for everyone on the offense. With the added week of rest, you’d hope he wouldn’t be held back at all, and he returned to practice on Wednesday. You’re starting Jackson in every league, if he’s active.

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Bryce Young, QB, Panthers (ankle): Young was forced to exit late in Sunday’s win over the Jets due to an ankle sprain and did not return. Andy Dalton replaced Young under center. He would complete 4 of 7 passes for 60 yards to help Carolina secure the win. NFL Network is reporting that Young has a high ankle sprain that is expected to hold him out of Week 8. With Young expected to be out, the 37-year-old Dalton doesn’t offer much solace that this already weak passing game can be sustained. Dalton starting would be a big boost to running backs Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle, while the pass-catchers would likely suffer.

Nico Collins, WR, Texans (concussion): Collins suffered a concussion in the Texans’ loss on MNF to the Seahawks. He’ll likely be placed into protocol and will need to clear in order to play in Week 8 vs. the Niners. It will come down to practice reports, so monitor Collins status late in the week. If Collins is out — and Christian Kirk remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury — Xavier Hutchinson and Jayden Higgins will be the primary receivers for CJ Stroud. But we saw TE Dalton Schultz and rookie WR Jaylin Noel step up against Seattle.

Mike Evans, WR, Bucs (collarbone): The veteran receiver exited MNF vs. the Lions in Week 7 and was diagnosed with a broken collarbone that is expected to sideline him 6-8 weeks. It’s unfortunate after Evans just returned from a hamstring injury that caused him to miss three weeks. With Evans out again, Tampa Bay’s receiving core is in pretty rough shape. Emeka Egbuka was able to play on MNF despite a hamstring injury. He only converted four of 12 targets for 58 yards. Chris Godwin Jr. has missed two straight weeks and remains a question mark moving forward. Tez Johnson stepped up again with a TD in his second straight game. TE Cade Otton led the Bucs with seven catches for 65 yards vs. Detroit.

Darren Waller, TE, Dolphins (pectoral): Waller went down with a pec injury late in the Dolphins loss to the Browns in Week 7. Miami is a mess right now and we could see the end of the Mike McDaniel era soon. Waller had been a revelation since being activated in Week 4. He had caught four TDs over a three-week span going into this week. Unfortunately, he’s now being placed on IR with the injury, removing yet another weapon to an already beleaguered crew. The Dolphins offense continues on a downward trend right now.