Week 8 brought a tough slate of injuries across the NFL, with several key fantasy contributors going down. As we head toward the midway point of the season, teams are starting to weigh short-term availability against long-term health, and that’s creating plenty of uncertainty for fantasy managers. This week’s injury roundup covers the most important updates you need to know heading into Week 9.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
RB Cam Skattebo, New York Giants | Ankle Dislocation | Season-Ending
After an electric and highly entertaining start to the rookie season, bulldozing phenom Cam Skattebo’s year will unfortunately come to a premature end.
Skattebo was carted off the field Sunday after suffering an ankle dislocation, an injury that will likely require surgery and result in a trip to season-ending IR.
While he should be ready for the 2026 season, his recovery timeline will depend on the severity of the injury and his rehabilitation process. We saw how a similar late-season injury impacted Chris Godwin’s 2025 campaign. Hopefully, we won’t be without Skattebo’s signature backflips for long.
Cam Skattebo just did one of the greatest celebrations I’ve ever seen 😂
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 22, 2025
Flipping and everything! pic.twitter.com/fa0CQZdhY4
RB Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland | Shoulder | Projecting Week 12 Return
From one rookie running back to another, Quinshon Judkins’ Sunday was also cut short after suffering a shoulder injury. Based on video review, it appears Judkins may be dealing with an AC joint sprain.
If confirmed, AC joint sprains often sideline players for multiple weeks. With Cleveland’s bye coming in Week 9, there’s a chance the Browns use the extra time to help Judkins recover. Depending on the severity of Judkins' injury, he could still miss additional games after the break. An injured reserve stint isn’t out of the question if the injury proves more significant than initially believed.
RB Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia | Groin | Projecting Week 11 Return
Saquon Barkley pulled up late in the Eagles’ win over the New York Giants with what has now been confirmed as a groin injury. He did not return to the game, though Philadelphia’s comfortable lead may have factored into that decision. Afterward, Barkley told reporters he plans to play in Week 10 following the Eagles’ Week 9 bye.
Saquon Barkley didn’t seem worried about the groin injury he picked up vs. the Giants. Said he “went out swinging” trying to lobby to get back in the game.
— Johnny McGonigal (@jmcgonigal9) October 26, 2025
“I’ve dealt with this (injury) before. Nothing crazy.”
Eagles’ next game is vs. Green Bay on Nov. 10 after a bye week. pic.twitter.com/oxq8Q1N051
While Barkley could be right about his return timeline, athletes often underestimate their recovery. Groin injuries are typically not overly limiting for NFL running backs and, when minor, usually result in minimal time missed. Still, given the moderate re-injury risk associated with groin strains and other soft-tissue injuries, it wouldn’t be surprising if Philadelphia takes a cautious approach with its star back.
Stashing Tank Bigsby through the bye week might not make sense, but he’s a player to monitor closely, especially if Barkley isn’t practicing by Friday of Week 10. Bigsby was able to rush for 100+ yards in Barkley's absence.