Despite all 32 teams being back in action for Week 8, several starting QBs (Justin Fields, Kyler Murray, Daniel Jones, Jimmy Garoppolo, Ryan Tannehill) will undoubtedly appear on their respective squads' injury reports ahead of this week's loaded 16-game slate. While fantasy football owners have ample replacement options should any of these QBs miss time, from a competitive standpoint, NFL fans should hope that each team's QB1 is healthy enough to take the field this week.
What's the most up-to-date injury status for these QBs ahead of Week 8? Below, we'll give you the latest news on these quarterbacks and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 8 fantasy landscape.
For updates on ailing RBs Bijan Robinson and Jerome Ford, click here; for news on key passing-game pieces Christian Watson, Deshaun Watson, and Jaylen Waddle, go here; for the latest on banged-up RBs David Montgomery, Miles Sanders, and Roschon Johnson, click here; for updates on injured WRs DK Metcalf and Tank Dell, click here.
WEEK 8 FANTASY: Top waiver pickups | FAAB budget planner | Trade advice
Justin Fields injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
Fields (thumb) missed his first game of the 2023 season in Week 7 after exiting the latter stages of the Bears' Week 6 tilt with a dislocated thumb. With Fields struggling to grip the football, he logged three consecutive "DNPs" in practice prior to getting ruled out in Week 7. Looking ahead to Week 8, Fields' prospects appear grim, as head coach Matt Eberflus told the media on Monday that, "(Tyson) Bagent will be our starter".
Eberflus also referred to Fields as "doubtful," indicating that the undrafted rookie will likely make his second consecutive start against the Chargers on Sunday night. Although Bagent was efficient in Chicago's Week 7 win over Las Vegas (21-of-29 passing, 162 yards, one TD), he didn't have a great fantasy day (12.9 points; QB20). Against a more competent Los Angeles defensive front, Bagent falls off the fantasy radar in 12-team leagues.
WEEK 8 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Kyler Murray injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
Last week, the Cardinals opened Murray's 21-day practice window, as Arizona's QB1 is making steps towards returning from a torn ACL suffered in Week 14 last season. However, Murray has not yet been elevated to Arizona's active roster, so we're probably still a week or two away from the former No. 1 overall pick making his season debut. If you have the available roster space, Murray's worthy of a bench stash in a potential Week 9 or 10 return.
In the meantime, Josh Dobbs is expected to start in Sunday's Week 8 home tilt against the Ravens. Dobbs profiles as a low-end QB2 option, better suited as a DFS value. That said, his dual-threat abilities give him a chance to finish as a top-16 fantasy quarterback in a pot.
WEEK 8 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Daniel Jones injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
Despite practicing in a limited basis leading up to Week 7, Jones (neck) wasn't healthy enough to start, missing his second straight game. Jones is still considered "day-to-day" entering Week 8, but should he log a full practice or two this week, expect Jones to suit up for Sunday's matchup against the Jets.
Although backup Tyrod Taylor's operating the offense at a high level, once Jones is deemed healthy enough to play, New York's franchise quarterback will return under center. That said, Jones is a risky fantasy play against a sound Jets defense, as fantasy owners have plenty of alternative options at QB.
