NFL Week 8 Inactives: Lamar Jackson and Brock Purdy Ruled Out – Major Fantasy Football Shifts and Injury Updates

In a crushing blow to NFL fans and fantasy football managers alike, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and San Francisco 49ers signal-caller Brock Purdy have both been officially ruled out for Week 8 due to lingering injuries. As the league heads into a pivotal mid-season stretch, these absences could reshape game outcomes, playoff races, and millions of fantasy lineups across the country. Jackson’s ankle issue, which has plagued him since Week 6, and Purdy’s shoulder strain from last Sunday’s matchup against the Chiefs, mark significant setbacks for two of the league’s most dynamic offenses.

The NFL‘s injury report dropped just hours before kickoff on Sunday, confirming what many had feared after limited practices during the week. For fantasy football enthusiasts, this means scrambling to adjust rosters, with ripple effects felt from the waiver wire to streaming decisions. According to ESPN’s fantasy analytics, the combined absence of these two QBs could drop average starting lineup scores by up to 15 points in affected leagues, highlighting the high stakes of Week 8.

Lamar Jackson’s Ankle Sprain Forces Backup Tyler Huntley into Spotlight

Lamar Jackson, the 2023 NFL MVP and a perennial fantasy football darling, has been dealing with a high-ankle sprain sustained in the Ravens’ thrilling win over the Buffalo Bills two weeks ago. Despite optimistic updates from Baltimore’s medical staff earlier in the week, Jackson was unable to fully participate in Friday’s practice, leading to his official inactive status. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh addressed the media post-report, saying, ‘Lamar’s our heart and soul, but we’re built for depth. Tyler Huntley steps up, and we’ve got confidence in him.’

Huntley, a seasoned backup with prior starting experience, steps in for his third start of the season. In limited action earlier this year, he completed 68% of his passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns against the Indianapolis Colts, while adding 45 rushing yards – a nod to Baltimore’s mobile QB tradition. However, fantasy managers holding Jackson, who averages 22.5 fantasy points per game this season, face a steep drop-off. Huntley’s projected output hovers around 12-15 points, per FantasyPros consensus, making him a risky start in one-QB leagues.

The injury’s timing couldn’t be worse for the 6-1 Ravens, who face a tough divisional matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Jackson’s absence opens the door for Cleveland’s stout defense, led by Myles Garrett, to exploit Baltimore’s secondary rushing threats like Derrick Henry. Statistically, the Ravens’ offense dips by 18% in efficiency without Jackson under center, based on Pro Football Focus data from past backups. For fantasy implications, owners should pivot to streaming options like Jordan Love or even Jameis Winston if available on waivers, as Huntley’s dual-threat ability won’t fully replicate Jackson’s MVP-caliber production.

Brock Purdy’s Shoulder Injury Leaves 49ers Searching for Stability

Across the league, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy’s shoulder injury – a mild AC joint sprain from a brutal hit in the fourth quarter of their loss to Kansas City – has sidelined the young phenom for Week 8. Purdy, who has thrown for over 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, was seen grimacing on the sideline and underwent an MRI that confirmed the need for rest. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the news, stating, ‘Brock’s tough as nails, but we’re not risking long-term damage. Joshua Dobbs will take the reins.’

Dobbs, acquired mid-season from the Vikings, brings a unique skill set with his engineering background and scrambling prowess. In his brief stint with Minnesota, he rushed for 122 yards and a score in a single game, showcasing the mobility that San Francisco covets. Yet, fantasy football projections paint a grim picture: Dobbs is expected to manage 180-220 passing yards with one touchdown in a favorable matchup against the Houston Texans, translating to about 10-13 fantasy points. Purdy’s owners, who have relied on his 20+ point consistency, now scramble as the 49ers’ high-powered offense – featuring Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel – loses its precision passer.

Injury data from the NFL’s official reports indicates that shoulder issues like Purdy’s typically require 1-2 weeks of recovery, but with the 49ers’ schedule intensifying, there’s concern over a potential multi-week absence. The team’s offensive line, already banged up, must protect Dobbs against Houston’s aggressive front seven, including Will Anderson Jr. For fantasy leagues, this vacancy boosts streaming appeal for Dobbs in superflex formats, while wideouts like Samuel could see increased targets – a silver lining for PPR managers.

Fantasy Football Chaos: Top Replacements and Waiver Wire Targets

The ripple effects of Lamar Jackson and Brock Purdy’s injuries extend far beyond their teams, igniting a frenzy in fantasy football circles. With Week 8 waivers processing overnight, managers are eyeing a pool of viable quarterback replacements to mitigate the damage. According to Sleeper app data, searches for ‘QB streamers Week 8’ spiked 300% following the inactive announcements, underscoring the panic in leagues where these stars were locked in as starters.

Key waiver wire targets include:

• Jameis Winston (QB, CLE): With Deshaun Watson sidelined by his own Achilles tear, Winston could see extended play. He’s thrown for 300+ yards in two of his last three relief appearances, making him a boom-or-bust option at 15-20% roster rate.
• Andy Dalton (QB, CAR): Facing a weak Giants secondary, Dalton has posted back-to-back 250-yard games, averaging 18 fantasy points. Available in over 60% of leagues, he’s a safe floor play.
• Jacob Sirmon (QB, MIN): Stepping in for an injured Sam Darnold, Sirmon’s rookie flashes – including a 22-point outing in Week 5 – position him as a speculative add in deeper leagues.

Beyond QBs, the inactives create downstream opportunities. For instance, Ravens running back Justice Hill could see 15+ touches in Jackson’s absence, boosting his flex value. On the 49ers’ side, Jordan Mason might vulture goal-line carries from McCaffrey, who remains active but faces a tougher workload. Fantasy experts like Matthew Berry of ESPN advise, ‘Don’t sleep on these backups; history shows they can deliver in pinches.’ In standard leagues, the average QB bench depth is only two players, amplifying the urgency to act before Tuesday’s waiver deadlines.

Stats from the past five seasons reveal that teams without their starting QB win just 38% of games, per NFL Next Gen Stats, which could indirectly inflate defensive streaming options like the Browns’ D/ST against Baltimore. For dynasty owners, this serves as a reminder to stash high-upside backups, as injuries like these have launched careers – think Geno Smith or Brock Purdy himself last year.

Broader NFL Injury Wave Alters Week 8 Matchups and Playoff Paths

While Lamar Jackson and Brock Purdy dominate headlines, Week 8’s inactive list is a laundry list of star power derailed by injuries, further tilting the NFL landscape. Notable absences include Detroit Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (hamstring), who sat out practice entirely, and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (knee maintenance), potentially capping Patrick Mahomes’ output against the Raiders. The Philadelphia Eagles will also miss cornerback Darius Slay (groin), exposing their secondary to the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase.

These injuries compound existing woes: The league’s injury rate stands at 4.2 per game this season, up 12% from 2023, according to the NFL Players Association. For the Ravens, Jackson’s out means leaning on a run-heavy scheme, where Derrick Henry has already amassed 800 rushing yards. Baltimore’s +250 odds to win the Super Bowl could slip if Huntley falters, per DraftKings sportsbook. Similarly, the 49ers’ 5-2 record masks vulnerabilities; without Purdy, their -150 spread against Houston evaporates into a pick’em.

Team strategies are in flux. The Browns, bolstered by their own QB stability with Watson’s backup, aim to capitalize on Baltimore’s downgrade. Quotes from Cleveland’s Kevin Stefanski highlight the shift: ‘We’re preparing for everything they throw at us, but depth wins in this league.’ Playoff implications loom large – the AFC North tightens with Pittsburgh lurking at 4-3, while the NFC West becomes a dogfight if San Francisco stumbles.

Fantasy football tie-ins extend to DFS contests, where DraftKings adjusted lines post-inactives, dropping Jackson and Purdy from slates entirely. Savvy players are loading up on value plays like Dobbs at $5,200 or Hill at $4,800, potentially yielding 3x returns. As Week 8 unfolds, these absences remind us of the NFL’s unpredictability, where one tweak can rewrite narratives.

Looking Ahead: Recovery Timelines and Mid-Season Adjustments

As the dust settles on Week 8 inactives, eyes turn to recovery for Lamar Jackson and Brock Purdy, with both expected back for Week 9 barring setbacks. Jackson’s ankle, graded as moderate on the injury scale, typically heals in 7-10 days with proper rehab, per sports medicine experts at the Andrews Institute. Purdy’s shoulder, being a non-surgical sprain, follows a similar timeline, though the 49ers may opt for caution given their Super Bowl aspirations.

For fantasy football, this hiatus prompts long-term roster tweaks: Trade values for injured stars plummet – Jackson’s now at 80% of peak, per Yahoo Fantasy – urging deals before values rebound. Managers in playoff-contending leagues should prioritize health, stashing handcuffs like Huntley (20% rostered) for insurance. NFL teams, meanwhile, adjust mid-season: Baltimore bolsters its QB room with practice squad call-ups, while San Francisco eyes trade deadline moves for depth.

The broader implications? A more unpredictable playoff race, with underdogs like the Browns (+500 for division) gaining ground. As Harbaugh noted, ‘Adversity builds champions.’ Week 8’s injuries test that resilience, setting the stage for a thrilling second half of the NFL season where fantasy dreams – and nightmares – hang in the balance.