Week 8 is looking like a rollercoaster already, with Lamar Jackson hitting the field in full force, but A.J. Brown’s status is suddenly a huge question mark that could impact more than just Sunday. Brown, a certified superstar, missed practice Thursday and Friday after a limited session Wednesday. That puts his Week 8 status firmly in doubt, so much so that he is off the rankings entirely and there’s a real concern for his rest-of-season value. This is not a drill, folks.
Lamar is Back, Ready to Roll
On the flip side, get ready for Lamar Jackson. After a premature expectation last week, Jackson practiced in full on Wednesday and is now confidently expected to return in Week 8. This is huge for the Ravens, especially with a fantastic matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills defense has been a bit leaky this season, giving up 29 or more points in every game except one. Jackson slides right back into the top six at quarterback, even if there’s some chatter about whether he will run as much as usual. His return is a massive boost for Zay Flowers, who becomes a top-five receiver, and Derrick Henry, who gets a lift back into the top 12 at running back despite some uninspiring efficiency lately.
And speaking of returns, D.J. Moore is also expected to suit up for the Bills. This game against the Ravens could be a high-scoring affair, making Moore a must-start in nearly any format.
The A.J. Brown Fallout and Other Headaches
A.J. Brown’s sudden doubt is the big story, but there are other players facing tough Week 8 decisions. With Brown missing practice and his status in limbo, the Patriots’ receiving corps gets a shake-up. Demario Douglas is now the top Patriots receiver to look at, slotting in as a high-end WR3. For those looking for a dart throw at flex, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism could be options. Hunter Henry and Drake Maye are the only sure starters on that team, while Rhamondre Stevenson is a low-end RB2 in what should be a great matchup. TreVeyon Henderson’s absence from Friday practice due to illness might even make Stevenson a better play.
Elsewhere, Saquon Barkley returned to practice Friday and says he will try to play Sunday. However, expectations are tempered; he’s barely an RB2 right now after turning nine touches into 15 yards last week. He faces a tougher Commanders run defense than the Cowboys. Devonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks both missed Friday practice and are not expected to play, making Makai Lemon a good WR3 option and Dallas Goedert a must-start at tight end. Emeka Egbuka is out for Week 8, even after progressing through concussion protocol, which puts Chris Godwin firmly in play as a high-floor WR3 against the Falcons and should mean plenty of targets for Bucky Irving. Ted Hurts is a decent dart throw as a flex in that scenario. Finally, some good news for the Colts: Tyler Warren has been cleared to play, which is a much-needed return.
Week 8 is shaping up to be one where you need to be glued to those injury reports right up until kickoff. The stakes are high, and these last-minute changes could totally shift how the week plays out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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