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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Detroit Lions All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph both returned to practice on Wednesday, offering positive news amidst widespread injury updates heading into Week 8 of the NFL season. Jackson participated fully after missing three games with an ankle injury, while Joseph was a limited participant as he steps back onto the field for the first time since last season.
Panthers and Packers Face Mounting Injuries Ahead of Thursday Night
The Carolina Panthers enter Thursday Night Football with several key absences, as linebacker Jaelan Phillips, guard Torricelli Simpkins III, cornerback Akayleb Evans, and guard Damien Lewis have all been ruled out. None of the four participated in practice throughout the week. Defensive tackle Bobby Brown III is listed as questionable due to a hand injury.
The Green Bay Packers are similarly compromised. Middle linebacker Zaire Franklin will miss his second straight game with a shin injury after sitting out practice all week. Green Bay will also field a reorganized offensive line, with center Sean Rhyan and right guard Travis Glover ruled out. The injuries force third-stringer John Williams into the starting center role, while veteran Kevin Zeitler could potentially make his Packers debut. Wide receiver Matthew Golden is listed as questionable with shoulder and foot issues following limited participation in Wednesday’s walkthrough.
Key AFC Player Statuses and Quarterback Updates
While Lamar Jackson logged a full practice for the Baltimore Ravens, several teammates sat out on Wednesday, including Calais Campbell, Kyle Hamilton, Jaylinn Hawkins, Olaivavega Ioane, and Roquan Smith. For the Buffalo Bills, offensive tackle Spencer Brown was the sole player absent from practice, with cornerback Dee Alford, linebacker Bradley Chubb, tight end Dalton Kincaid, wide receiver DJ Moore, and defensive tackle Ed Oliver listed as limited participants.
In Kansas City, quarterback Patrick Mahomes practiced fully despite a knee concern, while cornerback L’Jarius Sneed missed practice due to personal reasons and a knee issue. Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II was also a full participant, though defensive lineman Zach Allen, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle sat out.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had six non-participants on Wednesday, including Jalen Ramsey, Brandin Echols, Doneiko Slaughter, Darnell Washington, T.J. Watt, and Cameron Heyward. The Cleveland Browns ruled out practice participation for Jared Verse, Elgton Jenkins, and Tytus Howard. Meanwhile, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase sat out for a veteran rest day alongside safety Kyle Dugger and Jonathan Allen, while the Tennessee Titans saw Carnell Tate, Tommy Townsend, Tyjae Spears, and John Franklin-Myers sit out.
Eagles, Lions, and NFC Squads Manage Roster Absences
The Philadelphia Eagles are dealing with extensive roster setbacks, listing six players as non-participants on Wednesday: Saquon Barkley, Jihaad Campbell, Britian Covey, Jonathan Jones, Devonta Smith, and Dontayvion Wicks. Their opponents, the Washington Commanders, missed Stefon Diggs, Javon Kinlaw, and John Bates during practice, while Jer’Zhan Newton participated in a limited capacity as his 21-day return window opened.
The Detroit Lions opened the 21-day practice window for Kerby Joseph following a long absence due to a degenerative knee condition. Detroit also sat several players for rest or illness, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tyleik Williams, and DJ Wonnum. The Minnesota Vikings reported a shorter injury list, with running back Aaron Jones and guard Joe Huber missing practice.
Elsewhere, the Arizona Cardinals had nine players miss practice, including Tyler Allgeier, Budda Baker, and Zaven Collins. The Dallas Cowboys held a walkthrough with KaVontae Turpin and Dee Winters listed as non-participants. For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, quarterback Baker Mayfield and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. practiced fully, while Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson was among four players who missed practice.
