We are already at Week 8 of the NFL season which means that the fantasy playoffs are only five weeks away.  By now, all GMs are likely dealing with some sort of injury fiasco, so everyone is in the same boat in terms of roster volatility.  League trade deadlines may also be approaching, so now is the time to evaluate your needs and seek out deals that will help bolster your roster for a playoff run.  So without any further ado, let’s delve into the next edition of the 2018 fantasy football emergency room.

 

Will Fuller (WR-HOU)

Will Fuller has dealt with injuries for practically his entire NFL career which has been maddening for fantasy GMs.  It seems like he is on the injury report every week dealing with lingering leg issues, but it appeared that he was completely healthy during Thursday night’s game against Miami where he had over 100 yards receiving and a touchdown.  Unfortunately, Fuller suffered a knee injury late in the game and had to be taken out.  The Texans are fearful that he sustained a torn ACL which is a good indication that his season is over.  Fuller was going to be a huge beneficiary of Deshaun Watson ’s improved play but now KekeCoutee will have to step in and pick up the slack.  We should have more clarity on the severity of Fuller’s injury soon, but be prepared for some bad news. 

Cam Newton (QB-CAR)

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has been suffering from soreness in his shoulder and has been limited in practice this week.  However, there is no reason to be concerned about his status for Week 8 against Baltimore.  Newton has thrown for 1,427 yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions along with rushing for 257 yards and four touchdowns.  He is one of the most valuable fantasy quarterbacks in the league but will have a tough matchup against the Ravens solid defense.

Rob Gronkowski (TE-NE)

Gronkowski returned to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday which is positive news in terms of his ability to play on Monday night against Buffalo.  There is still uncertainty surrounding his availability so fantasy GMs should have an alternative ready to go in case we get some updates over the weekend regarding his back injury.  Gronkowski’s injury history is well documented and the Patriots clearly do not need him on the field in order to dismantle Buffalo.  Even if he is able to suit up, expect New England to limit his snaps which makes him a risky TE1 option for Week 8. 

Sony Michel (RB-NE)

Michel did not practice the last couple days which is not good news in terms of his availability for Monday night’s game in Buffalo.  Much like Rob Gronkowski , the Patriots likely do not need to rush Michel back in order to demolish the Bills.  Michel is dealing with a knee injury and his absence would open the door for James White and KenjonBarner to see extended playing time.  White would be a RB1 if Michel is out as he is lethal in the passing game and extremely valuable in PPR leagues. 

Cooper Kupp (WR-LAR)

Kupp suffered a sprained MCL a couple weeks ago and missed last week’s game against the 49ers.  He has apparently made some progress recovering this week but likely not enough for him to be back on the field for Week 8.  This is unfortunate because the Rams will likely be in a shootout against Green Bay.  Kupp’s absence just increases the value of Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods who should have monster games in this showdown of elite offenses.  Keep Kupp stashed and hope he can return for Week 9 against New Orleans. 

Matt Breida (RB-SF)

Breida did not practice once again on Thursday which creates serious doubt about his status for this week’s game against Arizona.  He has been dealing with an ankle injury for several weeks and has attempted to play through it.  San Francisco is in the midst of a lost season so there is no reason to rush Breida back at this point.  If he is unable to play, then look for Raheem Mostert to see a bulk of the playing time along with Alfred Morris and Kyle Juszczyk getting some opportunities. 

LeSean McCoy (RB-BUF)

McCoy practiced on Thursday despite being in the league’s concussion protocol this week.  He will have an extra day to recover and get some practice in since the Bills play on Monday night against the Patriots.  McCoy has been held to 244 yards rushing without any touchdowns on the season, so he is barely a RB2 candidate at this point.  However, he should be able to play on Monday if he can avoid any setbacks.  It is probable that the Patriots will be blowing Buffalo out early, so McCoy’s playing time could get dictated by the score. 

Allen Robinson (WR-CHI)

Robinson was questionable whether he was going to play last week against New England, but he did end up taking the field and was limited to one catch for four yards.  His groin injury is still bothering him as he has not practiced this week.  This is not a good sign as to his availability for this Sunday’s game against the Jets.  If Robinson is unable to play, then Taylor Gabriel will see an enhanced role in the Bears offense which has been explosive this year. 

Dalvin Cook (RB-MIN)

Fantasy GMs may be put out of their misery temporarily with Dalvin Cook as it is being reported that the Vikings will shut him down through their bye in Week 10.  Cook has been dealing with a hamstring injury most of the season and has been limited to parts of three games and rushed for only 98 yards with no touchdowns.  Every week he attempts to come back but suffers a setback, so now Minnesota will likely just shut him down for a couple weeks and hope that he is available after the bye week.  Latavius Murray will continue to fill in for Cook and will be a viable RB2 option against the Saints on Sunday night. 

Marlon Mack (RB-IND)

The Colts finally saw what they had with Mack last week after he rushed for 126 yards and scored two touchdowns in a blowout win against Buffalo.  Unfortunately, he did not practice on Thursday due to an ankle injury and his status for Sunday’s game against Oakland is in jeopardy.  This would be a salivating matchup for Mack as the Raiders have essentially thrown in the towel on the season and become a doormat to the league.  Check back in over the weekend for further updates because Mack will be a low-end RB1 option if he can play.  In the event he is inactive, then Nyheim Hines would be a viable RB2 option. 

Royce Freeman (RB-DEN)

Rookie running back Royce Freeman is out of his walking boot but still did not practice the past couple days.  There is still a chance he could play this weekend against Kansas City but he would need to get some practice in on Friday in order for that to be realistic.  Freeman suffered an ankle injury last week and the Broncos hope he can be on the field to boost the offense in order to try and keep up with the high-powered Chiefs offense.  Phillip Lindsay is still the preferred fantasy running back on Denver and will have an even bigger role this weekend if Freeman is not ready to return. 

David Njoku (TE-CLE)

Njoku has been one of Baker Mayfield ’s favorite targets since he took over as starting quarterback and they have developed a rapport which has led to touchdown catches over the past two weeks.  He has been dealing with a knee injury which is limiting him in practice, but the injury should not have any effect on his ability to play and be productive against a susceptible Steelers defense. 

Randall Cobb (WR-GB)

It finally appears that Randall Cobb will return this week after being sidelined the past few weeks with a hamstring injury.  He has been practicing in a limited capacity but appears on track to play in Week 8.  Cobb has been limited to 17 catches for 194 yards and one touchdown thus far, but could provide some upside this Sunday against the Rams in what should be a high scoring game. 

Geronimo Allison (WR-GB)

Much like teammate Randall Cobb , Allison has missed the past few weeks with a hamstring injury but appears ready to return this Sunday.  Allison practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday but has been trending upwards towards taking the field against the Rams.  He has 19 catches for 289 yards and two touchdowns on the season and could be in for an explosive game against Los Angeles given the likelihood that this will be a shootout between two great offenses.

Robby Anderson (WR-NYJ)

The Jets have been decimated by injuries at the wide receiver position and could be without Robby Anderson this weekend as well.  Quincy Enunwa has already been ruled out and they have released the injured Terrell Pryor.  Now Jermaine Kearse remains the only healthy holdover along with newly-signed Rishard Matthews .  Anderson has a sprained ankle and appears doubtful for this weekend’s game against the Bears.  Kearse would be a viable WR3 or Flex option given that he should see most of Sam Darnold ’s targets with Matthews also being a sleeper streaming option.