Guest of the League
For the People Est. 2020
Dynasty $250 - FFL: Week 8 | NFL: Week 8

Eagles star WR A.J. Brown does not practice on Wednesday

Wed Oct 22 4:21pm ET
Field Level Media

Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown was at practice only as an observer on Wednesday, according to multiple media reports.

Brown is coming off of his most productive game of the season on Sunday in a 28-22 road victory over the Minnesota Vikings. He caught four of six targets for season highs of 121 yards, two touchdowns, 30.3 yards per reception and a long of 45 yards.

Teammate DeVonta Smith hauled in nine of 11 targets for 183 yards -- all season highs -- with one TD.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Brown has on occasion expressed his frustration with his role in the Eagles' offense, which can be heavy on the running game and inconsistent in the passing attack despite overall success for the defending Super Bowl champions.

Brown was not targeted until the final drive of the game in the Eagles' season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys. He caught an 8-yard pass to help Philadelphia seal the 24-20 victory.

After catching five passes for just 27 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs and having a six-reception, 109-yard performance against the Los Angeles Rams, Brown saw nine targets but hauled in only two for 7 yards in Philadelphia's 31-25 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 28.

Brown declined to speak with reporters after the game, then posted to X a modern translation of a Bible passage that read: "If you're not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way."

That cryptic communication created a lot of attention on the Eagles' offense, as did a supposed meeting between Brown, quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley in the days following a 21-17 home loss to the Denver Browns on Oct. 5. Hurts and Barkley said they talked with Brown, who was more elusive about the details before later clarifying that it was an informal chat in the parking lot.

Brown, 28, gained at least 1,079 yards in each of his first three seasons with the Eagles and helped them win Super Bowl LIX, with 12 catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns over four playoff games last winter. He has 29 catches for 395 yards and three scores this season.

The Eagles (5-2) host the New York Giants (2-5) on Sunday. New York defeated Philadelphia 34-17 on Oct. 9.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 8

Player Notes
Jeffery Simmons Oct 22 3:40pm CT
Jeffery Simmons

Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons (hamstring) will be week-to-week after suffering the injury in their Week 7 loss to the Patriots, according to Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com. Simmons suffered a hamstring injury during the first half and ultimately did not return. The 28-year-old was playing at an elite level over the first seven games, ranking second in total pressures generated and sacks among interior defensive linemen, per PFF. His absence will be a major blow to a Titans defense that has struggled to stop opposing offenses even with Simmons on the field, allowing the fifth-most points per game this season.

From RotoBaller

Graham Gano Oct 22 3:30pm CT
Graham Gano

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (groin) has been designated to return from injured reserve and will practice on Wednesday, per Dan Salomone of Giants.com. Gano missed the minimum of four games with the injury and is set up to make his return in Week 8 against the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles. The team released kicker Jude McAtamney on Tuesday following missing two extra points in a one-point loss to the Broncos in Week 7, while former Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo remains on the practice squad. The 38-year-old Gano would be a streaming option if he is back in Week 8 with rookie Jaxson Dart leading an efficient Giants offense.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Oct 22 3:10pm CT
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has been on a tear to start his 2025 campaign after missing the first three games due to a suspension for violating the NFL's Substances of Abuse Policy. Addison has been highly efficient since returning, hauling in 18 of 26 targets for 283 yards and a touchdown. His 94.3 receiving yards per game ranks third in the NFL, only trailing superstars Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Veteran quarterback Carson Wentz honed in on Addison in their Week 7 loss to the Eagles, leading the team with 12 targets. Wentz will make another start in Week 8, where Addison will look to stay hot as the Vikings face the Chargers on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Oct 22 3:00pm CT
Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (ankle) was held out of the first practice of the week on Wednesday due to the high-ankle sprain he suffered in the Week 7 win over the New York Jets on Sunday, according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. Head coach Dave Canales said that Young is considered "day-to-day" for this Sunday's contest against the Buffalo Bills. High-ankle sprains typically sideline players for at least several weeks, so fantasy managers should be planning on being without the 24-year-old this weekend. The good news is that the young signal-caller wasn't seen wearing a walking boot on Wednesday. The team isn't ruling Young out yet for Week 8, but the expectation is that veteran QB Andy Dalton will make his first start of 2025 this Sunday against the visiting Bills. At best, Dalton will be in play as a low-end QB2 streamer in leagues that start two QBs if Young is officially ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Michael Penix Jr. Oct 22 2:50pm CT
Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (foot) is still day-to-day and will be limited in practice on Wednesday, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Penix suffered a bone bruise in his foot in the Week 7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night, putting his availability for a Week 8 tilt against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday somewhat in question. The 25-year-old second-year QB's injury doesn't sound too serious, but it's enough to keep him out of a full practice in the first session of the week. Morris is optimistic about Penix playing this weekend, but fantasy managers will want to monitor the left-hander's status the rest of the week. If he can practice in full on Thursday or Friday, he should be just fine to play against Miami, where he'll have clear QB1 upside against the Dolphins' weak defense. If Penix cannot go, veteran Kirk Cousins would see his first action of the year and would immediately be on the streaming radar in fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Oct 22 2:50pm CT
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (calf) was not seen participating in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to Weston Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. Wicks still has two more days to try to get back on the practice field, but he's off to a bad start after injuring his calf in Sunday's 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The good news for the Packers is that if the 24-year-old is unable to go in Week 8 on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they could be getting Christian Watson (knee) back from the Physically Unable to Perform list for his 2025 debut. Romeo Doubs has been Green Bay's WR1 with Jayden Reed (collarbone) on Injured Reserve, and rookie first-rounder Matthew Golden has seen more involvement as well in recent weeks. Wicks has been off the fantasy radar in 12-team leagues with 13 catches for 134 yards and no scores on 20 targets through six games in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Oct 22 2:40pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) was back in the mix at practice on Wednesday, according to Brian Batko. It's unclear what Austin's official practice status is, but it's good news as he tries to return for a Week 8 contest this Sunday night versus the Green Bay Packers. For what it's worth, head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that he was optimistic about Austin's chances of playing this week for the first time since injuring his shoulder in Week 4. In the 26-year-old's absence, DK Metcalf has continued to serve as the clear WR1 in Pittsburgh, with tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington picking up more slack in the passing game. When Austin gets back onto the field on game day, he should resume his role as the Steelers' WR2 after catching 10 of 17 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns in four games. He may need a full practice this week to avoid taking a questionable tag into the Sunday night contest.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Oct 22 1:50pm CT
Josh Palmer

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice as the team returned from its bye, and head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Palmer is considered week-to-week. The veteran receiver has quietly carved out a role in Buffalo's revamped passing attack, appearing in every game this season and posting 14 receptions for 234 yards while operating as a reliable secondary option for Josh Allen. However, his recovery timeline remains uncertain, and the Bills may choose to be cautious to avoid a longer-term setback. With Dalton Kincaid, Keon Coleman, and Khalil Shakir firmly established as the top three targets in the offense, Palmer offers limited fantasy upside even when healthy. For now, he should remain on the waiver wire in standard formats, though he may warrant monitoring in deeper leagues if his role expands later in the season.

From RotoBaller

Marcus Mariota Oct 22 1:40pm CT
Marcus Mariota

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota will make his third start of the season on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect much production in a difficult matchup. Mariota has been serviceable in his limited action, completing 64.6% of his passes with a 3:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, while adding some mobility outside the pocket. However, he now faces a Chiefs defense that ranks among the league's best, allowing the fifth-fewest yards per game and just 17.7 points per contest, good for third in the NFL. To make matters worse, Mariota could once again be operating without two of his top pass-catchers as Deebo Samuel (heel) and Terry McLaurin (quad) both remain questionable. With limited weapons and a brutal defensive matchup, Mariota lacks fantasy upside and should remain on the waiver wire in all formats outside of deep superflex leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Oct 22 1:40pm CT
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (oblique) was limited in practice on Wednesday, raising some concern about his status for Week 8 despite the benefit of extra rest over the team's bye week. Kincaid has quickly emerged as one of the most reliable tight ends in fantasy football, scoring three touchdowns in five games and catching 83.3% of his targets while operating as a featured weapon for Josh Allen. Even after missing one contest, his 287 receiving yards lead the team, and he also holds a team-high three scores through the air. The Bills will travel to face the 4-3 Carolina Panthers in what has quietly become a tougher-than-expected matchup, making Kincaid's health even more critical for Buffalo's passing attack. Fantasy managers should monitor his practice progression closely, as another limited session or downgrade could put his Week 8 availability in jeopardy.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Oct 22 1:30pm CT
Christian Kirk

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) did not participate in Wednesday's practice and remains questionable for Week 8 as he works his way back from a lingering soft-tissue injury. Kirk has not appeared in a game since October 5 and was unavailable for Monday night's loss to the Seahawks, marking yet another setback in what has been a frustrating stretch for the veteran receiver. Dating back to last season, Kirk has struggled to stay on the field, playing in just eight games in 2024, and durability has become a growing concern. When healthy, however, Kirk has proven to be a reliable playmaker. His last full season came in 2022, when he delivered 84 receptions for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns. With Nico Collins (concussion) also uncertain for Week 8, Houston could desperately use Kirk's return, but fantasy managers should monitor practice reports closely before trusting him in lineups.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Oct 22 1:20pm CT
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (concussion) did not practice Wednesday after exiting Monday night's game against the Seahawks when the back of his head hit the turf. Collins remains in the league's concussion protocol and should be considered questionable for Week 8 against the San Francisco 49ers. The fifth-year receiver has seen a modest start to the season, totaling 26 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns, but he still leads the team in receiving and remains C.J. Stroud's most trusted target in a struggling passing attack. With Collins' availability in doubt, Houston may be forced to lean on depth options Xavier Hutchinson and Jayden Higgins, while tight end Dalton Schultz could also see a bump in volume. Fantasy managers should monitor practice reports closely.

From RotoBaller

Sean Tucker Oct 22 1:10pm CT
Sean Tucker

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker is expected to see an uptick in opportunities in Week 8 with Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) ruled out. Tampa Bay relied heavily on Rachaad White last week, giving him a massive 90% snap share, but that workload isn't sustainable long term and the team is likely to rotate in a second back more frequently. Tucker has been used sparingly this season with just 11 carries for 34 yards and one touchdown, but he is the clear favorite to slot into the No. 2 role behind White this week. Still, Tucker remains more of a watch-list name than a priority waiver pickup in fantasy leagues, as White continues to dominate both rushing and receiving work in Tampa Bay's offense. Managers in deeper formats may consider adding Tucker as a speculative bench stash.

From RotoBaller

Andy Dalton Oct 22 1:01pm CT
Andy Dalton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton appears to be trending toward a Week 8 start against the Buffalo Bills, with starter Bryce Young sidelined by a high-ankle sprain. The veteran is expected to step in for his seventh start as a Panther. Across his six previous starts with Carolina, Dalton has averaged 225 passing yards per game, throwing nine touchdowns and six interceptions. When Dalton entered the game last week in New York, Xavier Legette immediately benefited, hauling in four of five targets for 60 yards and serving as the only Panthers wideout to record a reception from Dalton. The chemistry between the two could carry over into this week's matchup against a struggling Bills defense that has given up big performances to Drake London and Stefon Diggs in back-to-back weeks. While Dalton remains a risky fantasy start in both 1-QB and Superflex formats, his presence should boost the fantasy outlooks of playmakers like Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette, both of whom are strong starting options in Week 8.

Oronde Gadsden II Oct 22 1:01pm CT
Oronde Gadsden II

Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden broke out in Week 7 against the Colts, recording seven catches for 164 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. Gadsden's snap count has increased each week this season as he's worked his way into a full-time role at tight end. Over the last two games, he's run 69.2% of routes and caught seven of eight targets for 68 yards in Week 6 before upping that to a season-high 78.7% in Sunday's breakout performance. There's plenty of competition for targets in the Chargers' offense, but Quentin Johnston's return in Week 7 after missing Week 6 with a hamstring injury didn't cut into Gadsden's role, as Johnston had his quietest game of the season with just two catches on six targets for 30 yards. Gadsden is a good option to start on Thursday night against the Vikings.

Lamar Jackson Oct 22 12:53pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring) returned to the public portion of practice on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Fantasy Spin: Jackson's exact participation will be determined later when the practice report comes out. However, it is a good sign of his chances to play in Week 8. If he plays, he should be considered a reliable QB1 in your fantasy lineups immediately.

From TheHuddle

Lamar Jackson Oct 22 12:50pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) was seen on the practice field on Wednesday in the portion of practice open to the media, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. It was Jackson's first appearance at practice since straining his hamstring on Sept. 28 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He "mostly did warmup throws" with the media watch but did also "run around a little bit." The 28-year-old two-time MVP missed Weeks 5 and 6 with his hamstring strain and had last week's bye to heal up. The Ravens have been optimistic that he will return to play in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, but nothing is set in stone just yet. We'll check back on Jackson's official practice status later on Wednesday, but he might need to practice in full by Friday to be cleared to suit up this Sunday. If Jackson is active against Chicago, he needs to be returned to all starting fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Oct 22 12:40pm CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane has 89 more touches than the next closest Dolphins RB this year. "I am looking to (diversify the offense), but there are a lot of factors that play into that for it to be executed," head coach Mike McDaniel said when asked by ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques whether he was OK with the current RB split or if the team is looking for ways to "diversify the offense." McDaniel pointed to the game against the Buffalo Bills as the ideal touch distribution for their backfield, when Achane had 12 carries and rookie Ollie Gordon II had nine carries. Through seven games in 2025, Achane has a healthy 212 touches. Fantasy managers are surely happy about that, but the touch distribution could change if the Dolphins can be more competitive in games. It sounds like Miami would like to get Gordon more work, but things just haven't worked out that way. Until further notice, Achane is a set-and-forget RB1 with a high floor given his hefty volume.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Oct 22 12:30pm CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) is scheduled to have surgery this week to fix the broken collarbone that he suffered in Monday night's loss to the Detroit Lions, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Evans suffered a clean break of his clavicle, and the Buccaneers "should have Evans back in eight weeks or fewer." Head coach Todd Bowles said on Wednesday that the 32-year-old veteran wideout will be "touch and go" to return during this year's regular season, which means fantasy managers in redraft leagues can probably let go and replace him going into Week 8 action. However, if the Bucs make the postseason, Evans could be in play to rejoin the team if everything goes smoothly during his rehab. In the meantime, with Chris Godwin (leg) set to miss a third straight game this Sunday against the Saints, rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, and Tez Johnson will operate in starting three-wide sets for Tampa.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Oct 22 12:20pm CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Wednesday that wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) will not be back this Sunday to take on the division-rival New Orleans Saints in Week 8, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Godwin got a late start to the 2025 campaign while recovering from a season-ending dislocated ankle that he suffered in Week 7 of last year, and then suffered a fibula injury that will now keep him out for a third straight game. In addition to Godwin's injury, Tampa lost future Hall of Fame wideout Mike Evans (collarbone) for most of the rest of the season when he fractured his clavicle in Monday night's loss to the Lions. Fantasy managers who have been stashing Godwin will be keeping their fingers crossed that he'll be able to return after next week's bye to take on the New England Patriots in Week 10. With Evans now potentially out the rest of the year, Godwin figures to be heavily involved in the passing attack next to rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka whenever he returns.

From RotoBaller