Fantasy Football Injury Outlook: Week 8 Recap and What to Expect in Week 9
Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season was relatively light on the injury front, but fantasy football managers should still prepare for some adjustments heading into Week 9. With the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on bye, those relying on key running backs such as Saquon Barkley, Quinshon Judkins, Breece Hall, and Rachaad White/Bucky Irving will need at least a one-week fill-in.
Fortunately, there should be a few viable options available on waivers courtesy of notable injuries that occurred during the Week 8 slate. Additionally, the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints are both set to make quarterback changes this week, which could impact their skill-position players. The Jets might also switch quarterbacks once they return from their bye in Week 10.
Let’s dive into the major injuries from Week 8 and analyze what they mean for fantasy managers as Week 9 approaches.
Notable Injuries
1. Cam Skattebo, New York Giants RB (Ankle)
Rookie sensation Cam Skattebo’s breakthrough season came to an abrupt end due to a gruesome ankle injury suffered against the Philadelphia Eagles. He underwent emergency surgery for an open dislocation and will miss the remainder of the season.
With Skattebo out, Tyrone Tracy Jr.—who started the year as the Giants’ running back—will likely reclaim the lead role. Although he’s averaging just 3.5 yards per carry this season, Tracy accumulated over 1,100 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns as a rookie last year. Veteran Devin Singletary, who has shown consistent production in prior seasons, is expected to serve as the primary backup.
2. Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs RB (Knee)
Pacheco enjoyed a season-high 58 rushing yards in the Chiefs’ blowout Monday night win, but suffered an MCL sprain late in the fourth quarter. He is currently designated as week-to-week and may miss at least the next two games, including an upcoming matchup against the Buffalo Bills and the Chiefs’ Week 10 bye.
Kareem Hunt, who has been handling many goal-line duties, should see an increased workload. Rookie Brashard Smith, noted for his pass-catching ability, is expected to be Hunt’s primary backup during Pacheco’s absence.
3. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles RB (Groin)
Barkley put up his best performance of the season against his former team, rushing for 150 yards before leaving early with a groin injury. Fortunately, the injury does not appear to be severe. Eagles insider Ian Rapoport indicated that Barkley would likely have returned if the game had been closer, implying a minor issue.
With Philadelphia on bye Week 9, Barkley is expected back for their Monday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 10. Fantasy managers should consider stashing Tank Bigsby, who rushed for 104 yards on nine carries in Barkley’s absence.
4. Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns RB (Shoulder)
Following a dominant performance the previous week, Judkins left the Browns’ loss to the Patriots with an AC joint sprain and was ruled day-to-day. Cleveland’s bye week means updates on his status won’t come until mid-next week.
Judkins’ injury might influence Cleveland’s trade activity before the Nov. 4 deadline. Should they move Jerome Ford, it would signal confidence in Judkins’ availability. Meanwhile, rookie Dylan Sampson could be a valuable deep-bench stash given the uncertainty.
5. Carson Wentz, Minnesota Vikings QB (Shoulder)
Wentz, who had been substituting for injured starter J.J. McCarthy, is out for the season after shoulder surgery. McCarthy is set to return Week 9 against the Detroit Lions, but the Vikings’ backup depth at quarterback is uncertain beyond undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.
The quarterback change may limit passing volume, potentially reducing fantasy output for Vikings skill players like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson. The team may rely heavily on their running backs, Aaron Jones Jr. and Jordan Mason, to ease the transition for McCarthy.
Quick Injury Updates
- Patrick Surtain, Denver Broncos CB (Pectoral): Suffered a left pectoral strain expected to sideline him for multiple games. His absence boosts the outlook for Texans WR Nico Collins in Week 9.
- Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears WR (Concussion): Entered concussion protocol during their loss to the Ravens. If he misses Week 9, Rome Odunze and DJ Moore could see increased targets.
- Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals QB (Shoulder): Left briefly with a shoulder injury but returned. He remains day-to-day. Backup Jake Browning struggled previously if called upon.
- Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints RB (Leg): Injured late in the first half versus the Buccaneers but returned. With Kendre Miller out for the season, Devin Neal could be a waiver target if Kamara’s workload is reduced.
Possible Returns to Monitor
1. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens QB (Hamstring)
Jackson is expected to return in Week 9 after missing three games. His presence immediately elevates the Ravens’ offense and boosts Derrick Henry’s fantasy potential for the second half of the season.
2. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams WR (Ankle)
Nacua missed Week 7 but is expected back unless setbacks occur. Managers should monitor practice reports closely as he has yet to resume practicing.
3. Nico Collins, Houston Texans WR (Concussion)
Collins is trending toward a return this week against Denver. Facing a Broncos defense without Patrick Surtain enhances his fantasy appeal.
4. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders QB (Hamstring)
Daniels is expected to practice and may return against the Seahawks, though final status will depend on Wednesday’s reports.
5. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers QB (Toe)
Purdy might return after missing several weeks due to turf toe. While his starting status is not yet confirmed, it is not considered unlikely. Watch for updates especially alongside WR Ricky Pearsall’s status.
6. Drake London (Hip) & Michael Penix Jr. (Knee), Atlanta Falcons
Both are day-to-day and could return Week 9 after missing Week 8. Their availability against the Patriots would bolster the Falcons’ offense.
7. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers QB (Ankle)
Coach Dave Canales expressed optimism that Young will practice soon. His return would be a significant boost, especially after Andy Dalton struggled heavily in Week 8 against the Bills.
Conclusion
While Week 8 had fewer injury surprises, the upcoming weeks will require fantasy managers to stay vigilant. With key running backs on bye and some notable injuries impacting depth charts, proactive waiver pickups and monitoring practice reports will be essential strategies heading into Week 9 and beyond.