Just when fantasy managers thought the injury bug might finally be slowing down, Week 8 reminded us that nobody is safe. Lamar Jackson's frustrating season took another unfortunate turn, while several other notable fantasy contributors left Sunday's games with injuries of their own. As the season pushes forward, every injury carries a little more weight, and patience is becoming a luxury few managers can afford. Let's break down the biggest injuries from Week 8 and what they mean for Week 9 and beyond.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore | Thumb | Projection: Week 14/Possibly Season-Ending
It's been a disappointing season for fantasy football managers, Baltimore Ravens fans, and Lamar Jackson alike. After missing extended time with an ankle injury, Jackson returned in Week 8 against Buffalo. Unfortunately, his return was short-lived, as he suffered another injury, this time to his throwing hand.
Jackson exited Sunday's game with a thumb injury and did not return. Based on the injury and news post-game, I'm concerned that even the best-case scenario could involve another extended absence.
With Baltimore's bye approaching in Week 13, I view Week 14 as the earliest realistic return date. However, depending on the nature and severity of the injury, there is also a legitimate possibility that Jackson has played his final snap of the season.
#Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will have surgery on his thumb and will go on Injured Reserve, per coach Jesse Minter. "We'll see" if it's season ending. https://t.co/dhhW7pOUWS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2026
Given the uncertainty surrounding his recovery and the limited number of weeks remaining in the fantasy season, Jackson could eventually become droppable in most fantasy football formats.
QB Tyler Huntley, Baltimore | Turf Toe | Projection: Week 14
Tyler Huntley took over again for Lamar Jackson in Week 8 but suffered an injury of his own. Huntley, affectionately known as "Snoop", is expected to miss extended time with a turf toe injury.
Turf toe can be particularly challenging for skill-position players, but it can also significantly impact mobile quarterbacks who rely on their ability to extend plays. Huntley could remain sidelined until after Baltimore's Week 13 bye as well if his recovery follows typical return-to-play timelines.
With both Jackson and Huntley potentially facing extended absences, Joe Fagnano could find himself starting for Baltimore, barring additional roster moves.
RB James Cook III, Buffalo | Concussion | Projection: Week 10
James Cook III exited Sunday's game against Baltimore with a concussion. Historically, most NFL players who suffer concussions miss at least one game, putting Cook's Week 9 availability in question.
Although his status will ultimately depend on his progression through the NFL's concussion protocol, fantasy managers should prepare for the possibility that he misses next week.
Ray Davis is worth considering as a waiver-wire addition, particularly for managers needing a potential one-week replacement at running back.