NFL Week 8 injuries: J.J. Watt ruled out for Cardinals, Packers’ Davante Adams unlikely to play Thursday night

And just like that, we have another full slate of football for us to enjoy this week. With Week 7 in the rearview mirror, we can now turn our attention to Week 8, which has a number of high-profile matchups, including the “Thursday Night Football” showdown between the Packers and Cardinals. We also have a number of notable inner-division contests, including Steelers-Browns, Dolphins-Bills, and Bucs-Saints.

In this space, we’re going to cover the injury angle of these games as most of the team begin their week of on-field preparation, while the Packers and Cardinals release their final injury report. Below, you’ll be able to see who’s in and who’s out in the Week 8 opener on Thursday as well as a breakdown of the initial injury reports for every other club.

All odds come courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.

Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals (-6.5) (Thursday)

Packers: T Dennis Kelly (back) DOUBTFUL; CB Kevin King (shoulder, back), LB Preston Smith (oblique) QUESTIONABLE
Cardinals: DL J.J. Watt (shoulder) OUT; DL Rashard Lawrence (calf), WR DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring), OL Max Garcia (Achilles), TE Darrell Daniels (hamstring) QUESTIONABLE

Davante Adams reportedly did not make the trip to Arizona with the Packers on Wednesday, which would indicate that he is very much unlikely to play Thursday. Meanwhile, Allen Lazard will be out because he is unvaccinated and couldn’t be cleared in time. Neither of these Green Bay receivers are on the official injury report because they’ve been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

As for the Cardinals, the big blow comes on the defensive side of the ball as J.J. Watt will be sidelined for this matchup due to a shoulder injury. Watt did not practice all week, so the writing was on the wall for him to potentially miss time. As for Hopkins, he did not practice all week due to that hamstring injury, but the team is still holding out hope that he’ll play after listing him as questionable.

Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) at Detroit Lions

To be announced.

San Francisco 49ers (-4) at Chicago Bears

Chicago did not have linebacker Khalil Mack at practice Wednesday due to a foot injury, and it appears like he’ll be sidelined for a bit. According to the NFL Network, Mack is expected to miss Sunday’s game against San Francisco. Meanwhile, Allen Robinson (ankle) and Akiem Hicks (groin) were among the notable Bears limited in practice to begin the week.