As far as serious injuries go, Week 8 ended with most teams unscathed. A few superstars remain on the shelf with nagging soft tissue ailments, creating a few situations to watch heading into Week 9. With that said, here is everything of note on the injury front.
Sony Michel
After suffering a serious looking knee injury in Week 7, Sony Michel dodged a bullet with a mere knee sprain. While the Patriots ruled Michel out early for Week 8, he returned to practice on Saturday. This gives Michel a chance to play next week if practice goes well this week. Consider him questionable for the moment.
Leonard Fournette
Dealing with a hamstring injury that has plagued him since Week 1, Leonard Fournette may finally return in the near future. According to Adam Schefter, the Jaguars expect Fournette to return following their Week 9 bye. However, Schefter also noted that the Jags expect TJ Yeldon and Carlos Hyde to each see work as Fournette eases back into action. Always at risk for an in-game setback, it may take a couple games for Fournette to see a full workload.
Will Fuller
After dealing with a hamstring injury early in the season, Will Fuller suffered a torn ACL late in Thursday night's game. The rising star is expected to make a full recovery and should be ready near the start of next season.
A.J. Green
A.J. Green appeared to jam his foot into the tuff late in Sunday's game, injuring his toe. Green was spotted in a walking boot on Tuesday, but beat writer Paul Dehner reported the boot was merely precautionary. Luckily, Green will have extra time to rest his dinged up toe during the Bengals Week 9 bye. Green should be all systems go come Week 10.
Tyreek Hill
After another productive game, Tyreek Hill exited Week 8's game in the 4th quarter with a groin strain. Groin injuries can last multiple weeks, making the cheetah questionable for now. Practice time will be telling for the star receiver.
Cooper Kupp
Suffering a knee injury in Week 6, Cooper Kupp subsequently missed the Rams last two games. Coach Sean McVay spoke early in the week and said there is a good chance Kupp returns to play the Saints. Kupp looked almost ready to go last week according to the same report, giving him a solid chance to suit up.
Dalvin Cook
After pulling his hamstring early in the season, Dalvin Cook has barely played for the Vikings. Missing his last four games, the Vikings reportedly don't expect Cook to return in the near future. Per Courtney Cronin, an ESPN Vikings reporter, Cook is expected to sit through the Vikings Week 10 bye. This is an ominous sign for Cook and fantasy owners should not expect the second-year running back to return any time soon.
Chris Thompson
Dinged up all year, Chris Thompson landed a fresh rib injury in Week 8. Thompson supposedly cannot cause further damage, making the injury a pain tolerance issue. However, with Adrian Peterson running so well, it may be wise for the Redskins to rest their oft-injured back. He should be viewed as questionable for Week 9.
C.J. Beathard
Popping up on the injury report, C.J. Beathard is reportedly dealing with a wrist injury, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan said Beathard is having particular trouble gripping the ball. With the 49ers playing on Thursday, Beathard's status is very much in doubt. He should be considered questionable for now, but the Niners would resort to either UDFA Nick Mullens or turnover-machine Tom Savage in his place.
Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethisberger fractured his left index finger in the Steelers win over the Cleveland Browns. Roethlisberger isn't expected to miss any time, but the injury will surely affect the quarterback. Roethlisberger should be limited in practice this week, but ultimately suit up for Week 9.
