Miles Sanders, Chase Edmonds, Brandin Cooks, Calvin Ridley and Matt Breida were among those injured on Sunday of Week 8 in the NFL season.
Here’s a recap of the injuries to players across the league and how it could impact fantasy football:
Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia Eagles (shoulder)
Sanders suffered a shoulder injury during the second half of Sunday’s game against the Bills. He did not return to the game, but told the media afterwards that the X-rays “were cool” and that he “should be fine, hopefully.” Before the injury, the Penn State rookie was having his best game of the year. He had three rushes for 74 yards and a touchdown, as well as three catches for 44 yards. While the outlook seems positive, in the event he were to miss time, Jordan Howard would shoulder the carries from the backfield.
Chase Edmonds, RB, Arizona Cardinals (hamstring)
Edmonds exited Sunday’s game against the Saints with a hamstring injury during the third quarter and was ruled questionable for return. He struggled beforehand with only eight yards on seven carries and two catches for five yards coming off of a three-touchdown game against the Giants in Week 7. With David Johnson and D.J. Foster out, the Cardinals are acquiring Kenyan Drake from Miami. The Cardinals have a quick turnaround with a matchup against the 49ers on Thursday. Monitor the situation closely given how valuable the No. 1 running back spot on this team has been in the past. Drake could already be in line for a big workload, with Zach Zenner and Alfred Morris as other options.
Brandin Cooks, WR, Los Angeles Rams (concussion)
Cooks took a hard helmet-to-helmet hit from Bengals safety Jessie Bates III early in the first quarter of Sunday’s game and was ruled out for return. He entered the concussion protocol for the second time this season, which is worrisome for the young receiver’s long-term health. The team has a Week 9 bye, which should allow Cooks more time to recover, but if he were to miss any time, Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods would likely see more targets.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Atlanta Falcons (concussion)
Ridley lost consciousness after a shoulder-to-shoulder hit attempting to catch a deep pass. He had to be evaluated for a concussion and was surprisingly ruled okay to return. He finished the day with four catches for 70 yards. Ridley, if healthy down the stretch, should see a larger role in this offense with Mohamed Sanu traded to the Patriots. That said, his value has taken a hit with Matt Ryan out and Matt Schaub under center.
Matt Breida, RB, San Francisco 49ers (ankle)
Breida injured his ankle during the first half of Sunday’s 51-13 blowout win over the Panthers and was deemed questionable for return. Before exiting, he had 11 carries for 35 yards and a catch for 15 yards. As a result, Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman took on a heavier workload. Coleman had 11 carries for 105 yards and three touchdowns and Mostert had nine carries for 60 yards and a touchdown. Breida did not reenter the game, and if his injury is serious, Mostert would probably see the largest uptick in work given that Coleman already has a feature role in this offense.
Dede Westbrook, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (neck, shoulder)
Westbrook was ruled out for return in the second half of Sunday’s 29-15 win against the Jets with a neck and shoulder issue. It appears he re-aggravated the lingering issues that put him on the injury report entering this game. He had zero catches and one target on the day. Meanwhile, receivers Chris Conley, D.J. Chark, and Keelan Cole each had touchdowns and would likely see a small uptick in targets if Westbrook’s injuries do not subside in time for Week 9 in Houston.
Jeff Wilson, RB, San Francisco 49ers (head)
Wilson went to the medical tent on the sidelines and was evaluated for a concussion during Sunday’s game. It was initially a scary scene and Wilson did not return to the game, but he appeared okay afterwards as he was chatting with teammates on the sidelines. He had two carries for six yards on the day. Coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters after the game that Wilson was not in the concussion protocol and that he had suffered a stinger. This is good news, though the 49ers play again on Thursday, which puts Wilson’s status as questionable. Coleman, Mostert, and Breida (if healthy) would see more goal line work if Wilson missed Week 9.
Jarius Wright, WR, Carolina Panthers (leg)
The Panthers’ No. 3 receiver was carted off the field early in the second half of Sunday’s game with what appeared to be a serious leg injury. However, he returned to the field in the fourth quarter and finished the game with two catches for 12 yards.