Week 8 Injury Updates: Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski, Vernon Davis, Brandon Pettigrew, Jermichael Finley

Six teams are on bye, but there are still plenty of talented tight ends to go around in Week 8. The biggest question is will Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski finally be on the field in the same week?

Jimmy Graham, TE, New Orleans Saints vs. Buffalo Bills
Graham injured his foot two weeks ago in the loss to New England, a game in which he didn’t record a single catch. Unfortunately, he still isn’t back to 100 percent following the Saints’ bye week. He didn’t practice at all on Thursday and was only a limited participant on Friday. He is Questionable to play against the Bills and most likely will be a game-time decision. The Bills-Saints game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET, so as long as you are able to keep an eye on Graham’s status you should be OK.

Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins
Gronkowski did indeed make his long-awaited season debut last week and wasted little time in making an impact. Gronk led the Patriots with eight catches (on 17 targets) for 114 yards in the overtime loss to the Jets. He was a limited participant in practice, but that’s not really surprising considering his lengthy recovery. He is Probable and needs to be in your lineup, as the Dolphins are allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
At this point, I think Davis’ appearance on the injury report is a mere formality. He hasn’t missed a game since Week 3 and has been one of the most productive tight ends over the last three games. He is Probable to face the Jaguars in London and there’s no probably to it, Davis must be in your starting lineup.

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys
Pettigrew was somewhat of a surprise addition to the Lions’ injury report this week. He was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday due to a hamstring injury, but he is Probable for today’s game and is expected to be out there on the field. Pettigrew caught his first touchdown pass of the season last week and while he’s not one to record catches in bunches; he has posted at least three receptions over the last four games. As long as he’s not ruled out prior to kickoff at 1 p.m. ET, you need to keep Pettigrew in your lineup.

Jeff Cumberland, TE, New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals
Cumberland was limited in practice both Thursday and Friday because of a hamstring injury, but he is Probable and expected to play today. Although you may not recognize the name, don’t overlook Cumberland as a starting TE option, especially this week. He has two touchdown catches over his last four games and is starting to develop chemistry with rookie quarterback Geno Smith.

Jermichael Finley, TE, Green Bay Packers
Finley spent several days in the hospital after being taken off of the field on a stretcher last Sunday. He has been diagnosed with a spinal contusion and is out indefinitely. There’s a strong chance Finley may not return at all this season, but you certainly shouldn’t count on him for the foreseeable future. Andrew Quarless will take Finley’s spot as the Packers’ starting tight end and while he’s in an envious situation, he is an unknown commodity on the fantasy landscape.