Week 8 Injury/Depth Chart Report

Arizona Cardinals - Anquan Boldin is slowly getting better, but he's still not 100%.  He's still productive when hurt, as evidenced by 70+ yards last week, but it's definitely hurting his explosion.  Chris Wells, while not the starter yet, has taken over the lead back in terms of amount of carries.

Atlanta Falcons - None.

Baltimore Ravens - Flacco battled through a sprained ankle in week 6, but the bye week should have him close to, if not 100%.  Ray Rice will dominate this backfield for the rest of the season, and it'd be great to see some goal line carries.

Buffalo Bills - Fitzpatrick will start again, giving hope to Lee Evans owners and making him a WR3.  Lynch has taken over the lead back, and Fred Jackson is now only his backup rather than his committee partner.

Carolina Panthers - None.

Cincinnati Bengals - Bye week.

Chicago Bears - None.

Cleveland Browns - Fantasy wasteland.

Dallas Cowboys - Roy Williams continues to be limited by his rib injury, not that he was very effective before that.  I wouldn't use him, even with bye weeks.  Despite Tashard Choice's great play and all-around game, Felix Jones went right back to being Barber's committee partner.  Jones is an injury waiting to happen, so I wouldn't drop Tashard Choice if you don't have to.

Denver Broncos - Kyle Orton and company return from their bye week, and I think you know what to expect.  Brandon Marshall will dominate targets, Eddie Royal will be insanely inconsistent, and Moreno/Buckhalter will split backfield duties, with Moreno getting the inside and goal line carries.

Detroit Lions - Stafford despite being limited, took all of the #1 snaps in practice this week, giving a strong indication that he'll return.  Despite some bright spots in his play prior to his injury, he'll likely be without Calvin Johnson.  Johnson did some practicing with his hip injury, but it's doubtful that he'll play this week.

Green Bay Packers - Grudge match #2 against the Minnesota Favres, although I expect GB to be really pumped for this one with the crowd.  Expect a big game from Rodgers, although the protection of his offensive line will get their biggest test against Jared Allen and company.

Houston Texans - Andre Johnson suffered a scary rib injury in week 7, but he's expected to be fine for week 8.  If he can put in a full practice by Friday, he'll likely avoid a game time decision status.

Indianapolis Colts - Anthony Gonzalez still isn't ready, so Collie and Garcon will continue to start, although Collie has passed him for targets and now has the better chance to start when Gonzalez returns.

Jacksonville Jaguars - Jacksonville returns from their bye week healthy at all positions.

Kansas City Chiefs - Bye week.

Miami Dolphins - Ted Ginn has essentially lost his starting role.  He might continue to start, although that's far from certain, and he's going to lose snaps to Brian Hartline.  There's going to be some rotation between Ginn, Harline, Camraillo, and Bess, making them all worthless on this run-heavy offense.

Minnesota Vikings - Bernard Berrian is going against the odds and putting some practice in, so there's a chance he might play.  There's no reason for you to start Berrian if he's not 100%, though.  Sidney Rice is the go-to receiver of this offense anyways, and Percy Harvin can be used as a WR3 if Berrian sits out.

New England Patriots - Bye week.

New Orleans Saints - Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell continue their carry split, with Bell getting the carries down the stretch of games.

New York Giants - Eli Manning appears to be struggling a bit with his heel injury as he has not looked sharp the last two weeks despite playing the entire game.  He's a risky QB1 until he looks comfortable moving around again.  Bradshaw went to see a specialist about his ankle, so we'll keep an eye on his practice schedule.  Nicks and Manningham will continue to split snaps across Steve Smith, although both are on the field in 3 WR sets.

New York Jets - Jerricho Cotchery is expected to return, which is good news for everyone involved on this offense.  Defenses have doubled Braylon relentlessly, and his best game as a Jet so far came with Cotchery detracting attention away from him.  With Leon Washington done for the year, Thomas Jones is a safer RB2 play, and Shonn Greene will get most of the other carries.  Expect new 3rd RB Danny Woodhead to get some 3rd down work as well.

Oakland Raiders - Justin Fargas can be used as a desperate RB2 this week as Robert Gallery's return will help open more holes for him.  Michael Bush has faded behind him.

Philadelphia Eagles - Brian Westbrook will miss at least one week.  No matter what Philly says, don't believe them as they have an important game with the Giants this weekend.  Westbrook won't play, and McCoy will start and be a decent RB2 in a tough match up.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Bye week.

San Diego Chargers - None.

San Francisco 49ers - Alex Smith is the new starting QB, so hopefully the combination of his ascension and Michael Crabtree's appearance will give this passing game some life over the rest of the season for the sake of Frank Gore.

Seattle Seahawks - Seattle returns from it's bye week mostly healthy.  Hasselbeck is a decent QB2, while Housh and Burleson are decent WR3s.  I would try my best to deal Burleson if anyone believe he'll keep this up.  The running game is worthless for fantasy purposes.

St. Louis Rams - None.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Bye week.

Tennessee Titans - Vince Young will be the starting QB this week, and given the enticing match up against the decimated Jacksonville secondary, whoever has some big balls could try starting him if they are that desperate for a starter.  It's hard to recommend any of the WRs with Young behind center despite the great match up, but I'd favor Washington the most if I had to pick.

Washington Redskins - Bye week.