Lamar Jackson, Kerby Joseph Return to NFL Practices Before Week 8

The NFL injury report for Week 8 reveals a split between returning stars and teams managing heavy workloads. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph both returned to practice on Wednesday, marking their first participation since their respective injuries.

Jackson, who has missed the last three games due to an ankle injury, was a full practice participant for the first time since sustaining the injury. The Ravens also listed defensive lineman Calais Campbell, safety Kyle Hamilton, safety Jaylinn Hawkins, guard Olaivavega Ioane, and linebacker Roquan Smith as non-participants on Wednesday. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley and guard John Simpson practiced in a limited capacity. On the Buffalo side, offensive tackle Spencer Brown was the only player to sit out the Bills' Wednesday session. Cornerback Dee Alford, outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, tight end Dalton Kincaid, wide receiver DJ Moore, and defensive tackle Ed Oliver were all limited.

In Detroit, Joseph opened his 21-day practice window on Wednesday. He participated in a limited fashion, his first practice since missing the final 11 games of the 2025 season with a degenerative knee condition. The Lions also have a long list of non-participants, including running back Jahmyr Gibbs, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, left tackle Penei Sewell, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. Edge rusher DJ Wonnum also did not practice.

The Carolina Panthers are entering their Thursday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers with four key players out. Linebacker Jaelan Phillips, cornerback Akayleb Evans, guard Damien Lewis, and guard Torricelli Simpson III all missed Wednesday's practice entirely. Defensive tackle Bobby Brown III is questionable due to a hand injury. The Packers are also missing middle linebacker Zaire Franklin, who has been out for two straight games with a shin injury. Center Sean Rhyan and right guard Travis Glover are also ruled out, forcing Green Bay to start third-stringer John Williams at center.

Other notable absences include Saquon Barkley and Devonta Smith for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Jaylen Waddle for the Denver Broncos. The Eagles listed six players as non-participants on Wednesday, including Barkley, who is dealing with a hamstring and back issue. The Broncos have three players out, including Waddle with a chest injury. Patrick Mahomes and Pat Surtain II both practiced fully for their respective teams.

The Week 8 slate features 13 matchups, with the Panthers and Packers playing on Thursday. The other games include the Ravens at the Bills, Titans at Bengals, Cardinals at Cowboys, Vikings at Lions, Raiders at Jets, Browns at Steelers, Falcons at Buccaneers, Colts at Jaguars, Chargers at Rams, Chiefs at Broncos, Patriots at Dolphins, and Eagles at Commanders. All teams have released their final injury lists ahead of their weekend contests.