Tag: NFL Week 8

Bengals injury updates immediately after Week 8 vs. Eagles

The Bengals suffered injuries vs. Eagles in Week 8.

The Cincinnati Bengals entered Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles with Tee Higgins as the headline injury of note.

They left the game losers, 37-17, with one major name going down again.

Overall, a rather healthy day for the Bengals in terms of in-game issues. Here’s a quick look at the injury notes.

 

Orlando Brown Jr. injury update

Brown played despite battling an injury all week. But in the second quarter he was on the bench while Cody Ford manned left tackle. The team later said he was questionable to return with a knee injury, which could potentially mean an aggravation of the issue he entered the day with.

 

Cam Taylor-Britt injury update

CTB briefly left the game with an injury in the first half, then returned.

 

Tee Higgins injury update

Higgins was one of the game’s inactive players after suffering a quad injury during practice on Friday.

 

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1]

Bengals lose to Eagles: Quick takeaways after Week 8

Quick-hitting takeaways after Bengals vs. Eagles in Week 8.

The Cincinnati Bengals threw in the towel with the Philadelphia Eagles in town on Sunday to the tune of a 37-17 result.

Joe Burrow’s offense started the game hot but fizzled. The defense seemed composed, yet old issues — such as a lack of a pass-rush — popped up and hurt them.

In the second half, the Bengals seemed to just let the Eagles run away with the game.

Exiting the game, here’s a look at some snap takeaways as the Bengals look to sort things out and move on to next week.

 

The Evan McPherson problem is real

McPherson missed a kick from 50-plus yards in the first half. He only missed two from that range over his first two seasons. Over the last two seasons, he’s now missed eight. He entered the day 10-of-13 overall with a missed extra point, too. Right now, the team can’t count on him to be automatic anymore.

 

The Mike Gesicki game

Without Tee Higgins, it was the tight end Gesicki getting an increase in usage, not rookie wideout Jermaine Burton. While it’s not a long-term fix in case they lose Higgins in free agency, Gesicki was simply a big-bodied wideout on the day. He moved the chains multiple times and showed how the team will operate if Higgins misses extended time.

 

Something missing

McPherson’s issues seem symbolic of the whole team right now. The defense is effective in spurts, but doesn’t get enough pressure. The offense just went 9-of-12 on third downs, yet scored 17 points. It feels like a weird mismash of personnel and coaching that just hasn’t come together properly this season.

 

The outlook

Brutal. The Bengals have four games against AFC opponents up next. But even going undefeated in those doesn’t put the team in a great spot. And it’s worth wondering how the locker room is in the face of this adversity — the signs of surrender on the field in the second half were…not great.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1]

Instant analysis after Bengals get blown out by Eagles

Instant analysis after Bengals vs. Eagles in Week 8.

The Cincinnati Bengals moved to 3-5 on the season with Sunday’s 37-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Cincinnati’s offense came out of the gates strong and controlled the early part of the game but seemed to hit on a downswing just as the Eagles started to figure things out.

Here’s a quick look at some details and numbers to know from right after the game.

 

Quick Thoughts

  • Stunning opening drive for the Bengals without Tee Higgins on the field. A 17-play effort that ate a ton of clock and resulted in a touchdown on an innovative look from Zac Taylor and Co., with Ja’Marr Chase initially lined up in the backfield before catching the score.
  • While the Bengals did a good job of controlling the tempo in the first half, only coming away with 10 points was a major issue.
  • Part of that was on Evan McPherson, who continued his rough season with a miss from 50-plus.
  • Mike Gesicki was a huge part of the offense with Tee Higgins out. Not a perfect solution, but it could be a preview of the next few weeks.
  • Jordan Battle finally got some playing time and was the victim on a 40-plus-yard touchdown pass. It didn’t help, though, that the pass-rush up front got zero pressure.
  • Down seven, Zac Taylor decided to go for it on fourth down inside Philadelphia’s 40 and they lost two yards. An oddly aggressive play call from the staff that wound up gifting the Eagles three points.
  • Already down 10, a tipped Burrow pass got picked, then the Eagles marched down the field for the finishing score.
  • Gesicki fumbled on the next drive and the Bengals defense simply didn’t look very interested in competing anymore from there.

 

Key Stat

9-of-12: Normally, this sort of conversion rate on third down for the Bengals would result in a win. But the offense was just missing the ability to actually punch it in for points.

 

Game Balls

TE Mike Gesicki: With Tee Higgins down, Gesicki had a big day as a slot man, including a stellar one-handed grab. He did have the late fumble, but the game was out of reach and guys were just trying to make plays.

TE Erick All Jr.: While the rookie wasn’t super involved as a target, he did turn his one catch into 28 yards. He also had some key blocks, including on a rushing touchdown by Chase Brown.

 

Top Takeaway

Panic time: At 3-5, the Bengals can’t afford another loss over their next four games, all AFC opponents. Even that would put them at just 7-5. The season isn’t dead, but the offense’s erratic play and the defense getting steamrolled when it matters makes it hard to have some faith.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1]

Saints injury update: Inactive players for Week 8 game vs. Chargers

Here are the Week 8 inactives for the New Orleans Saints’ matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. A recently-signed wide receiver won’t play just yet:

Only two players were listed as out due to injury on the Friday injury report for the New Orleans Saints, and one player was doubtful. This ended up with three players out due to injury on gameday, and four healthy inactives for the game as well. There are some surprises on this list, but nothing exceptionally concerning overall, while the Los Angeles Chargers had a few players out due to injury this week on the other side.

The Saints held out a few rookies on the healthy inactive list which is one of the more intriguing developments, including Jaylan Ford, Dallin Holker, and Khristian Boyd. They will also hold out recent addition Marquez Valdes-Scantling, presumably to allow him more time to get into the system and get ready for gameday next weekend instead.

All of the injured inactives for the Saints entered the game with an injury designation of doubtful or worse, so those three were all expected more or less. The remaining players on the report will be available, which is a huge notion for a Saints team that has struggled immensely with injuries the past few weeks. Their “mini-bye” since “Thursday Night Football” helped get things cleared up no doubt.

Here is the full inactive lists for the Saints and Chargers this week:

New Orleans Saints inactive players:

  • QB Derek Carr (oblique)
  • WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (hip)
  • G Nick Saldiveri (shoulder)
  • WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
  • LB Jaylan Ford
  • TE Dallin Holker
  • DT Khristian Boyd

Los Angeles Chargers inactive players:

  • WR Quentin Johnston (ankle)
  • QB Easton Stick (emergency third quarterback)
  • WR Derius Davis (hamstring)
  • TE Hayden Hurst (groin)
  • OL Jordan McFadden
  • DL Justin Eboigbe

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Is DK Metcalf playing today? Injury updates/inactives for Seahawks in Week 8

DK Metcalf injury/inactives: Is Seahawks WR playing today vs Bills?

The Seattle Seahawks are getting ready to take on the Buffalo Bills in a crucial Week 8 showdown. Seattle (4-3) will look to build on their winning streak against a quality Buffalo (5-2) team who have won their last two.

Unfortunately, they will be without the services of star wide receiver DK Metcalf. Against the Falcons last Sunday, Metcalf suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain and was considered week-to-week. He did not practice at all this past week, and was given a game designation of DOUBTFUL. Now, we know he will not be taking the field.

The good news for Seattle is cornerback Tre Brown, who was listed as QUESTIONABLE, will be back in action after missing the game against Atlanta. He and Riq Woolen will be there to defend Buffalo’s high-octane offense.

The full inactive report for both teams can be seen below.

Seahawks Inactives:

  • WR DK Metcalf
  • CB Nehemiah Pritchett
  • LB Trevis Gipson
  • G Sataoa Laumea
  • NT Cameron Young
  • DE Mike Morris
  • DE Myles Adams

Bills Inactives:

  • WR Curtis Samuel
  • S Mike Edwards
  • LB Terrel Bernard
  • LB Eddie Ulofoshio
  • G/C Will Clapp
  • DT Zion Logue

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for more live updates, analysis and highlights during the game.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

Is Chris Olave playing today? Injury updates for Saints WR

Saints wide receiver Chris Olave cleared concussion protocol from a Week 6 injury, here are the latest updates:

The New Orleans Saints wide receiver room has had a tough time this season with injuries, most notably to their top two targets Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. While Shaheed will be out for the season, Olave was dealing with a concussion, residual from their matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has suffered four concussions in his football career, three in the NFL so far already in his two-and-and-half years at this level. Here is the full update on his concussion status, as well as information on his status for Week 8.

Chris Olave injury update

As of the latest Saints injury report, Chris Olave will be available for the Week 8 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, which is a huge update given their lack of depth at the position lately.

Olave cleared concussion protocol, which was announced on Friday by head coach Dennis Allen.

How long was Chris Olave out?

Chris Olave ended up missing Week 7 and most of Week 6 with this concussion, as he was hit hard early against the Buccaneers, and then missed the next week against the Denver Broncos since it was a short week for “Thursday Night Football”. This was likely for the best regardless, as with this being Olave’s third NFL concussion and fourth since 2020, it is best to remain cautious and keep his long-term health in mind as well when discussing head injuries. He will now return for Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and get a chance to work back into the fold with rookie Spencer Rattler at the helm.

Saints wide receiver depth chart for Week 8

The current depth chart for the Saints at wide receiver entering Week 8 looks a decent bit better with Chris Olave back. They have made some changes as of late as well, with the current room looking like this:

  • Chris Olave
  • Marquez Valdez-Scantling
  • Bub Means
  • Mason Tipton
  • Jermaine Jackson
  • Equanimeous St. Brown
  • Injured (out for Week 8): Rashid Shaheed (knee), Cedrick Wilson Jr. (hip)

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

4-time Chargers Pro Bowler expected to play in a limited capacity vs. Saints

Chargers outside linebacker Joey Bosa hasn’t played since Week 3 due to injury, but he’s expected to make his return against the Saints:

Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Joey Bosa hasn’t played football since Week 2, but there may not be a single New Orleans Saints fan who is surprised by the defender making his return this week.

Bosa has been dealing with a hip injury, but Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning will still have their hands full. If you’re looking at the injury his status is up in the air. Bosa was limited all week in practice and listed as questionable, but both he and Jim Harbaugh expect to see the edge rusher in a limited capacity.

There will be a limit on Bosa, however. Harbaugh said this week, “I would anticipate him being on a snap count.” Bosa also made comments that aligned with this principle by saying, he is “not going to play 60 snaps or anything.”

Injuries have been a constant in Bosa’s career. In the two games he did play this year, he registered 2 sacks and a forced fumble. Even coming back from injury, the Saints must account for the dangerous pass rusher.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Patriots Week 8 inactives: S Kyle Dugger’s final game status revealed

Patriots’ Week 8 inactives revealed

The New England Patriots named six players inactive for Week 8 ahead of Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.

Safety Kyle Dugger, wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk and linebacker Joshua Uche were the most notable names on the list.

Dugger’s absence means the Patriots will be without their top-two safeties in the backfield against a Jets offense spearheaded by legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Jabrill Peppers is still ineligible to play due to being on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.

Uche was a healthy scratch for the game, and Polk is currently in concussion protocol. Here are the inactives for both teams heading into the Week 8 matchup:

The good news for the Patriots is they’ll have star special-teamer Brenden Schooler (illness) on the field for the game. They might need a few clutch special teams plays in Sunday’s matchup to give them a shot at upsetting the Jets.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

New Lions DE Isaiah Thomas shows up for Week 8 in perfect style

New Lions DE Isaiah Thomas shows up for Week 8 in perfect style, rocking the jersey of Pistons legend Isiah Thomas

Isaiah Thomas is making his Detroit debut today. The Lions defensive end, signed off the Bengals practice squad before Week 7, figures to see considerable playing time in the matchup against the visiting Tennesee Titans.

In a nod to his new city, Thomas played homage to a Detroit legend. Isaiah Thomas the Lions EDGE showed up to Ford Field in the jersey of Isiah Thomas, the legendary Detroit Pistons star.

Thomas won’t wear “Zeke’s” legendary No. 11 for the Lions, however. That belongs to wideout Kalif Raymond, who is also going to get a bigger role in the Week 8 game. The Lions’ Isaiah Thomas will wear No. 35 on defense.

 

Cincinnati Bengals inactive players vs. Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8

Bengals announce inactives for Week 8 vs. Eagles.

The Cincinnati Bengals entered Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles with major, surprise injury questions around wide receiver Tee Higgins.

Higgins leads on the inactive list before the Week 8 kickoff.

The full inactives list the Bengals issued:

  • WR Tee Higgins
  • S Daijahn Anthony
  • DE Cedric Johnson
  • TE Tanner McLachlan
  • DT Jay Tufele

Higgins popped up with a quad injury on the final injury report, suggesting something happened on or around Friday that threw his status for the game in doubt.

Later reporting said that Higgins suffered the injury while running a route on Friday.

Besides that major late development, the inactive list is about as typical as it gets for the Bengals before kickoff.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1]