Week 8 Updates on Tua Tagovailoa, Jayden Daniels – NBC 6 South Florida

As we approach the halfway point of the 2024 NFL season, teams across the league are dealing with a plethora of injuries – particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

From starting QBs to standout wide receivers, teams are looking further and further down their depth charts as Week 8 begins.

Here's the latest on some notable injured players.

Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Dolphins

The Dolphins designated Tua Tagovailoa to return from injured reserve five weeks after he suffered a concussion against the Bills. He still must go through the NFL's concussion protocol before he can return to the field, but he will practice with the team on Wednesday ahead of their Week 8 game against the Cardinals.

Deshaun Watson, QB, Browns

Deshaun Watson's 2024 season is over after an MRI confirmed he tore his Achilles tendon in the Browns' Week 7 loss to the Bengals. It's the second straight year Watson's season has been cut short due to a long-term injury.

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson was forced off the field in Week 7 with a hamstring injury.

Jayden Daniels, QB, Commander

Jayden Daniels suffered a rib injury on the first drive of the Commanders' Week 7 loss to the Panthers and did not return. He will not practice Wednesday and his status for the Week 8 showdown against fellow 2024 NFL Draft prospect Caleb Williams and the Bears remains unclear.

Andy Dalton, QB, Panthers

After Andy Dalton and his family were in a car accident on Tuesday, the Panthers are turning to Bryce Young for their Week 8 contest in Denver. Dalton did not practice Wednesday after spraining the thumb on his throwing hand, clearing the way for Young to return as the team's starting quarterback.

Derek Carr, QB, Saints

Derek Carr has resumed throwing after missing the last two games with an oblique injury, but Saints head coach Dennis Allen said rookie Spencer Rattler is still expected to start under center Sunday against the Chargers.

Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers

The Buccaneers are one of three teams dealing with injuries to both top wide receivers.

Chris Godwin suffered a sprained ankle in the final minutes of the game and had to be carried off the field. He will reportedly undergo surgery that will “most likely” end his season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was carted off the field in Week 7 after suffering a serious leg injury.

Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers

The Bucs will also be without Mike Evans for an extended period of time. Tampa Bay's other top wideout suffered a hamstring injury on a dropped pass and will reportedly be out until after the team's bye in Week 11.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers

A difficult season for Brandon Aiyuk ended abruptly when he suffered a torn ACL and ACL in the 49ers' Week 7 loss to the Chiefs. Just days before the start of the 2024 season, the wideout ended his hiatus and signed a four-year, $120 million contract to remain in San Francisco.

Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers

Deebo Samuel tried to make it against the Chiefs, but the 49ers receiver ended up in the hospital with pneumonia. He was released from the hospital on Tuesday, but his status for Sunday Night Football against the Cowboys remains unclear.

Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams

The Rams will finally get a member of their dynamic receiving duo back. Cooper Kupp is expected to return to Thursday Night Football against the Vikings after missing the last four games with an ankle injury.

Puka Nacua, WR, Rams

Puka Nacua won't be far behind Kupp. The second-year wideout, who hasn't played since Week 1 due to ongoing knee problems, opened his 21-day practice window on Tuesday. Even if he can't play against the Vikings on Thursday, he should be able to play against the Seahawks after a long week.

DK Metcalf, WR, Seahawks

Speaking of the Seahawks, Metcalf suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his knee during Seattle's Week 7 win over the Falcons. Head coach Mike Macdonald said the injury is not considered long-term and that the wideout will be able to play against the Bills this Sunday.