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          NFL Week 8 in review: Highlights, injuries, analysis

          • ESPN.com
          Oct 27, 2019, 07:38 PM ET

          Week 8 of the NFL season included a slew of interesting matchups, including a huge win by the 49ers to remain undefeated, the return of Drew Brees, and a clutch performance by Deshaun Watson.

          Here are highlights from every game, along with injury intel, analysis and more from our NFL Nation reporters at every game.

          Jump to a matchup:
          TB-TEN | LAC-CHI | ARI-NO
          DEN-IND | SEA-ATL | PHI-BUF
          CIN-LAR | NYG-DET | NYJ-JAX
          CAR-SF | CLE-NE | OAK-HOU

          Saints 31, Cardinals 9

          Cardinals inactives: RB David Johnson, WR KeeSean Johnson, RB Alfred Morris, RB D.J. Foster, OL Lamont Gaillard, DL Michael Dogbe, DL Zach Allen

          Saints inactives: RB Alvin Kamara, TE Jared Cook, WR Tre'Quan Smith, CB Patrick Robinson, OL Nick Easton, OL Ethan Greenidge, DE Carl Granderson

          Highlights:

          Apparently Drew Brees' thumb is OK; here's touchdown pass No. 3, this one a connection with Michael Thomas:

          Taysom Hill is kind of a tight end, so we'll count this as another celebration of National Tight Ends Day:

          Have a day, Latavius Murray! Drew Brees gets it to his tailback, who does the rest of the work to pad the Saints' lead:

          Latavius Murray finds some daylight right up the middle, and we've finally got a touchdown in this game:

          Some early trickery from the Cardinals! Kyler Murray tosses to Christian Kirk, who throws it back across the field to Murray, who finds Charles Clay downfield for a big gain:

          Injuries:

          Chase Edmonds, RB, Cardinals. Edmonds left Sunday's game against the Saints with a hamstring injury and did not return. Coach Kliff Kingsbury is "definitely concerned" that Edmonds won't play Thursday against San Francisco. If Edmonds can't play, the Cardinals will be without their top two running backs, as David Johnson -- who didn't play Sunday because of an ankle injury -- isn't expected to play Thursday, either. That leaves the Cardinals with Zach Zenner and Alfred Morris as their running backs, both of whom signed this past Wednesday. -- Josh Weinfuss

          Chargers 17, Bears 16

          Chargers inactives: QB Easton Stick, K Michael Badgley, RB Justin Jackson, DT Cortez Broughton, DT Brandon Mebane, DT Justin Jones, LB Jatavis Brown

          Bears inactives: DB Duke Shelley, OL Alex Bars, LB Josh Woods, TE Bradley Sowell, LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, WR Riley Ridley, DL Brent Urban

          Highlights:

          Play-action fake to Austin Ekeler, pass to Austin Ekeler, Austin Ekeler into the end zone, and the Chargers have the lead:

          Ah, so that's what a team is supposed to do in goal-to-go situations. David Montgomery takes it in from four yards out:

          After the long reception, Melvin Gordon takes the inside handoff 19 yards for a touchdown:

          Philip Rivers hasn't been able to get much going in this game, so why not loft it up for Mike Williams? The Clemson product hauls it in for the long gain:

          The Bears defense with some excellent choreography:

          Seahawks 27, Falcons 20

          Seahawks inactives: WR Gary Jennings, WR John Ursua, CB Tre Flowers, RB C.J. Prosise, S Quandre Diggs, S Lano Hill, DE Quinton Jefferson

          Falcons inactives: OL James Carpenter, RB Qadree Ollison, QB Matt Ryan, DL Deadrin Senat, RB Ito Smith, CB Desmond Trufant, CB D.J. White

          Highlights:

          The Falcons may not be able to come all the way back to win, but Matt Schaub and Austin Hooper's stats get a little padding with this late score:

          Falcons won't give up without a fight, and Brian Hill gets his first NFL TD on a 23-yard rush:

          This DK Metcalf guy appears to be very good at pro football. Of course, it helps when the other team elects not to cover you in the end zone:

          Chris Carson would not be denied on this touchdown run, and the rout is on:

          DK Metcalf's impressive rookie campaign continues. He finds some open space in the end zone, Russell Wilson puts the ball right on target, and it's six for Seattle:

          Injuries:

          Justin Britt, C, Seahawks. Britt went down on the Seahawks' opening drive Sunday with what the team believes is a season-ending knee injury, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Pete Carroll sounded as though he was expecting test results to confirm the Seahawks' worst fears on Britt, who has been their starting center since 2016. They have an intelligent and capable backup in Joey Hunt, who has made three career starts. They should be encouraged with the way their offensive line functioned once Hunt took over Sunday. But, they'll likely have to make a move to add some depth there, maybe via a trade before Tuesday's deadline. -- Brady Henderson

          Pregame:

          It's Schaub Time:

          Rams 24, Bengals 10

          Bengals inactives: CB Darqueze Dennard, CB Dre Kirkpatrick, DE Carl Lawson, RG John Miller, OT Cordy Glenn, WR A.J. Green, QB Jake Dolegala

          Rams inactives: RB Malcolm Brown, DB Jake Gervase, OLB Clay Matthews, LB Bryce Hager, OL Austin Corbett, OL Jamil Demby, DT Greg Gaines

          Highlights:

          It's been a tough season for the Bengals, but this is a legit catch of the year candidate for Auden Tate:

          Todd Gurley II runs around the end for a touchdown, then fires the ball into the stands!

          Just like they drew it up! Jared Goff gives it to Cooper Kupp, who gets it to Robert Woods, who flicks it back to Goff, who finds a streaking Kupp who does the rest on a 65-yard touchdown:

          Some trickey from the Bengals, and Andy Dalton passes to a wide-open Joe Mixon to get the Bengals back into the game:

          Jared Goff with a perfectly placed pass to Joshua Reynolds, and the Rams take the lead:

          Injuries:

          Alex Redmond, OG, Bengals. Redmond had to be carted off the field after he went down with an undisclosed injury. Redmond missed the first four games with a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, but had provided the Bengals with much-needed depth in recent weeks. He started his second straight game in place of John Miller, who was out again with a groin injury. Cincinnati is off Week 9, and should Redmond and Miller be out after an extra week of recovery, the Bengals could use rookie Michael Jordan or Billy Price at that spot. -- Ben Baby

          Rams WR Brandin Cooks is OUT because of a concussion.

          Lindsey Thiry, ESPN5y ago

          Pregame:

          Rams flags are on all the seats at Wembley Stadium.

          Lindsey Thiry, ESPN5y ago

          Lions 31, Giants 26

          Giants inactives: WR Sterling Shepard, OG Chad Slade, CB Corey Ballentine, OT Eric Smith, LB Devante Downs, QB Alex Tanney, LB Tae Davis

          Lions inactives: QB David Blough, CB Darius Slay, CB Amani Oruwariye, OG Beau Benzschawel, OL Oday Aboushi, DT Kevin Strong, DT Mike Daniels

          Highlights:

          Well, the Giants aren't winning this one, but Saquon Barkley gives a little boost to his stat line with this late score:

          More trickery! J.D. McKissic throws it back to Matthew Stafford, who fires it deep to Kenny Golladay for his second TD of the day:

          Yes, it's National Tight Ends Day, and Evan Engram joins the party after this beauty from Daniel Jones:

          Matthew Stafford finds Kenny Golladay with a little space in the front corner of the end zone, and he gets both feet in to pad the Lions' lead:

          Daniel Jones lofts it up and Darius Slayton goes Randy Moss style to pull in his second TD of the day:

          The Giants strike back! Daniel Jones puts it up for Darius Slayton, who makes the nice grab and wills his way into the end zone:

          Matthew Stafford goes deep to Marvin Hall Jr. for a 49-yard touchdown:

          Devon Kennard grabs an errant screen pass and races to the end zone to put the Lions ahead early:

          Injuries:

          Tracy Walker, S, Lions. Walker injured his right knee in the third quarter Sunday and did not return. Lions coach Matt Patricia didn't know much about the injury after the game, and said they would evaluate it again Monday. If Walker misses time, a once-deep position could be down to four players -- Tavon Wilson, special teams standout Miles Killebrew and rookies Will Harris and C.J. Moore. -- Michael Rothstein

          Pregame:

          Ninja is in the house, rocking the Barry Sanders jersey:

          Titans 27, Buccaneers 23

          Buccaneers inactives: OG Alex Cappa, LB Jack Cichy, WR Amara Darboh, TE O.J. Howard, DL Patrick O'Connor, CB M.J. Stewart, C Nate Trewyn

          Titans inactives: OL Kevin Pamphile, OG Aaron Stinnie, CB Chris Milton, OLB Sharif Finch, TE Delanie Walker, CB Adoree' Jackson, WR Darius Jennings

          Highlights:

          The Titans march down the field and take back the lead, as Ryan Tannehill fires it to A.J. Brown for his third passing TD of the game:

          We're often frustrated to see teams go for the fade route in goal-to-go situations, but occasionally they actually work! Jameis Winston lofts it up for Mike Evans who pulls in TD No. 2 of the afternoon:

          The Bucs get a clutch score to close out the half as Jameis Winston delivers it to Mike Evans:

          Ryan Tannehill looking quite efficient at the controls of the Titans' offense, and he finds Tajae Sharpe for the second passing TD of the game:

          Ryan Tannehill connects with Jonnu Smith on National Tight Ends Day, and the Titans take the lead:

          Jason Pierre-Paul is back in the lineup, and making his presence felt, with a first-quarter sack:

          Injuries:

          Roger Saffold, OG, Titans. Saffold went down in the second quarter and didn't return. The starting left guard went to the blue tent for further evaluation, then walked into the locker room before halftime. He was ruled questionable to return due to a head injury, but did not make it back into the game, and Jamil Douglas took his place. Titans coach Mike Vrabel has been very cautious regarding concussions in the past, so Saffold's situation will be one to watch as the Titans get set to face the Panthers on the road in Week 9. -- Turron Davenport

          Colts 15, Broncos 13

          Broncos inactives: CB Bryce Callahan, TE Troy Fumagalli, S Will Parks, DL Jonathan Harris, OT Jake Rodgers, DE Adam Gotsis, OT Calvin Anderson

          Colts inactives: WR Deon Cain, OL Le'Raven Clark, DT Carl Davis, CB Pierre Desir, DL Tyquan Lewis, RB Jonathan Williams, CB Quincy Wilson

          Highlights:

          Adam Vinatieri from 51 yards out for the win!

          Took these teams a while to get going, but we've got another touchdown! Marlon Mack is the man earning points for his fantasy owners with this one:

          The Broncos gallop all the way down the field, and Royce Freeman makes it look way too easy on a four-yard rushing score:

          Not a lot of big offensive plays in this one, but this was an absolutely devastating stiff arm from Courtland Sutton:

          Injuries:

          Ja'Wuan James, OT, Broncos. In the first six games of the season, James had missed all but 10 plays because of a left knee injury he suffered early in the regular-season opener in Oakland. He returned to the starting lineup Sunday against the Colts, only to suffer another injury to the same knee. Coach Vic Fangio said after the game he didn't have an update on James, but James tossed his helmet as he limped to the sideline and some teammates said following the game they feared the injury was serious. It means the Broncos will go with Elijah Wilkinson at right tackle, so he cannot replace Garett Bolles at left tackle if the Broncos want to sit Bolles if he continues to struggle. -- Jeff Legwold

          Jeff Heuerman, TE, Broncos. Heuerman left the game with just over seven minutes remaining in the first half with a right knee injury. He did not return, though he did spend some time on an exercise bike in the Broncos' bench area during the second half of Sunday's loss. However, shortly after the end of the game, he was using crutches to get to the team bus, with a large brace on his right leg. He will be evaluated further on Monday, but the injury will likely push Troy Fumagalli, who was a gameday inactive, back into the rotation with rookie Noah Fant to get most of the snaps overall. After Heuerman left the game, the Broncos still used plenty of two-tight end sets with Fant and Andrew Beck in the formation. -- Jeff Legwold

          Pregame:

          The betting public has loaded up on three favorites this week: the Colts, Jaguars and Packers. The day for Caesars Sportsbook will come down the afternoon game between the Chiefs and Packers, head of risk Jeff Davis told ESPN. "Sharp and square on the Packers," Davis said.

          David Purdum, ESPN Staff Writer5y ago

          Eagles 31, Bills 13

          Eagles inactives: WR DeSean Jackson, OG Nate Herbig, CB Avonte Maddox, OT Jason Peters, RB Darren Sproles, DT Tim Jernigan, LB Nigel Bradham

          Bills inactives: WR Isaiah McKenzie, LB Corey Thompson, OT Ryan Bates, RB T.J. Yeldon, OG Ike Boettger, TE Tommy Sweeney, S Kurt Coleman

          Highlights:

          Yet another rushing TD for the Eagles; this time it's Jordan Howard doing the honors:

          While it's usually the team from (near) Boston wreaking havoc against the Bills, this time it's Boston Scott bulling his way into the end zone:

          Josh Allen finds Devin Singletary open in the flat, and he does the rest, high-stepping past Eagles defenders to cut in to the Eagles' lead:

          We've been waiting for a big run by electrifying Eagles rookie Miles Sanders, and he obliged with a 65-yarder on Sunday:

          Carson Wentz sees a little daylight for Dallas Goedert, and the Eagles take the lead:

          Josh Allen makes some room for himself and finds a wide-open Cole Beasley for the first touchdown of the game in Buffalo:

          Injuries:

          Miles Sanders, RB, Eagles. Sanders exited with a shoulder injury in the second half. He was in the midst of a breakout performance, with 118 totals yards and a touchdown before being forced indoors. The rookie out of Penn State has turned into the team's top big-play threat in DeSean Jackson's absence, so any time missed would be costly. -- Tim McManus

          Cody Ford, OT, Bills. Ford left Sunday's game against the Eagles with an elbow injury, and did not return. Of course, the Bills were being routed at home, and had little reason to take a risk with their second-round pick, but it's something to keep an eye on throughout this week. If Ford can't play next week, Ty Nsekhe will slide in as Buffalo's starter at right tackle, and Ryan Bates will likely be activated. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

          Jaguars 29, Jets 15

          Jets inactives: RB Trenton Cannon, LB C.J. Mosley, LB Neville Hewitt, TE Chris Herndon, LB Albert McClellan, DL Henry Anderson, OL Kelvin Beachum

          Jaguars inactives: LB Leon Jacobs, LB Najee Goode, LB Quincy Williams, WR C.J. Board, DT Dontavius Russell, OL Brandon Thomas, RB Devine Ozigbo

          Highlights:

          Under duress, Gardner Minshew II creates some space and finds D.J. Chark in the end zone, who shows off some ... unique dance moves:

          Ryan Griffin and Sam Darnold are really taking this National Tight Ends Day thing to heart. Here's TD No. 2 for No. 84:

          Gardner Minshew II escapes the pressure and gets it to Chris Conley, who races down the field for the 70-yard touchdown:

          Sam Darnold helps Ryan Griffin get in on the National Tight Ends Day festivities with a 24-yard TD strike:

          After the big run, Gardner Minshew II finds Keelan Cole streaking across the end zone to put the Jags up early:

          Leonard Fournette breaks open for a 66-yard rush:

          Pregame:

          Jaxson de Ville is feeling the spirit of Halloween -- and perhaps trolling Sam Darnold?

          It's a little hard to read, but somebody paid a plane to pull a banner that reads: "Gardner Minshew ain't afraid of no ghost!"

          Michael DiRocco, ESPN Staff Writer5y ago

          49ers 51, Panthers 13

          Panthers inactives: QB Cam Newton, WR Greg Dortch, Christian Miller, LT Greg Little, OT Bryan Witzmann, DE Bryan Cox, Jr.

          49ers inactives: FB Kyle Juszczyk, OT Mike McGlinchey, OT Joe Staley, CB Ahkello Witherspoon, QB C.J. Beathard, WR Marquise Goodwin, DT Jullian Taylor

          Highlights:

          Raheem Mostert squirts through for a 41-yard rushing TD, and the Niners unleash an ocean-themed celly:

          OK, this is getting ridiculous. It's TD No. 4 for Tevin Coleman:

          The 49ers are back in the end zone. This time it's Deebo Samuel doing the honors, with a 20-yard TD reception:

          Christian McCaffrey is on the board with a 40-yard TD rush:

          Safety! Bruce Irvin sacks Jimmy Garoppolo to get two points for the Panthers:

          Well, if you've got Tevin Coleman in your fantasy lineup today, you're likely having an enjoyable afternoon. Here's TD rush No. 3, this one a 48-yarder:

          It's another TD rush for Tevin Coleman, and the Niners' social media folks are dropping MC Hammer references on us:

          Tevin Coleman finds some running room up the middle, and puts the Niners ahead by two scores:

          Trade acquisition Emmanuel Sanders wastes no time in making his presence felt, with a TD catch to open the scoring against the Panthers:

          Injuries:

          Matt Breida, RB, 49ers. Breida suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's win against Carolina. Coach Kyle Shanahan said Breida attempted to get back in the game, and would have been given a chance if the score hadn't been so lopsided. The Niners will know more about Breida's status as the week goes on in what will be a quick turnaround for Thursday night's game against Arizona. If he can't go, San Francisco will continue to ride the hot hand of Tevin Coleman, with Raheem Mostert likely to be next in line. -- Nick Wagoner

          Pregame:

          Deebo Samuel has at least one famous fan:

          An unexpected guest at 49ers-Panthers today. Brett Favre in the house and representing for National Tight End Day. Favre also enjoying a Southern Miss reunion with Niners QB Nick Mullens.

          Nick Wagoner, ESPN Staff Writer5y ago

          Texans 27, Raiders 24

          Raiders inactives: LB Dakota Allen, WR Keelan Doss, DE Kasim Edebali, QB DeShone Kizer, DT Corey Liuget, OT Brandon Parker, WR Marcell Ateman

          Texans inactives: WR Will Fuller V, CB Bradley Roby, CB Johnathan Joseph, S Tashaun Gipson Sr., LB Tyrell Adams, OL Greg Mancz, OT Tytus Howard

          Highlights:

          Deshaun Watson spins out of a tackle, gets kicked in the face and finds Darren Fells in the end zone to put the Texans ahead in the fourth quarter:

          The Texans will not go down without a fight. Deshaun Watson creates some space and gets it to Darren Fells for a TD:

          Tyrell Williams gets wide open and races in for a 46-yard TD:

          You may have heard it's National Tight Ends Day, and Darren Waller wasn't about to let the occasion pass without a TD of his own:

          Deshaun Watson gets it to Duke Johnson Jr., who gets across the goal line to tie things up:

          Hunter Renfrow breaks a couple tackles, and it's off to the races for his first NFL TD:

          Injuries:

          J.J. Watt, DE, Texans. J.J. Watt injured his pectoral muscle while tackling Raiders running back Josh Jacobs, and is out for the rest of the season. Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus is now the only proven pass rusher Houston has after trading Jadeveon Clowney before the start of the season. -- Sarah Barshop

          Rodney Hudson, C, Raiders. The highest-paid center in the game suffered a right ankle injury in the first quarter of Sunday's 27-24 loss at Houston. Hudson is considered one of the smartest centers in the league, and was replaced by an undrafted rookie in Andre James. James did not embarrass himself, and figures to only get better with more experience, should he have to replace Hudson on a more permanent basis. "I've been readying myself mentally for this kind of situation," James said. "Rod is, obviously a great player who can't be replaced, but it's just the next-man-up mentality, and I just went out there and tried to do my best." -- Paul Gutierrez

          Pregame:

          Has J.J. Watt found the next great Texans QB?

          Buddy Howell rockin' the Jose Altuve jersey heading into the building:

          Patriots 27, Browns 13

          Browns inactives: WR Taywan Taylor, WR Damion Ratley, S Damarious Randall, S Sheldrick Redwine, DE Chris Smith, T Kendall Lamm, DT Eli Ankou

          Patriots inactives: RG Shaq Mason, DT Byron Cowart, RB Damien Harris, CB Joejuan Williams, TE Ryan Izzo, TE Matt LaCosse

          Highlights:

          It's another Tom Brady-Julian Edelman connection for six, and the Pats extend their lead:

          The Browns fight back, as Baker Mayfield delivers a great ball to Demetrius Harris for the 21-yard score:

          Stop us if you've heard this one before: Tom Brady across the middle to Julian Edelman, who barrels in for six points:

          It's a scoop and score for Dont'a Hightower:

          Tom Brady: Still droppin' dimes:

          Pregame:

          Odell Beckham's cleats for today in New England, just in time for Halloween

          Jake Trotter, ESPN Senior Writer5y ago