As the NFL season nears its midway point, it's time to shed preseason notions and admit teams are what their record says they are.

Week 8 of the NFL season is in full swing, and there are some key players dealing with injuries. See who's in and who's out.

In Atlanta, there is a chance that Kirk Cousins starts over an injured Michael Penix Jr. against the Miami Dolphins this week. Penix is dealing with a bone bruise in his knee, which he suffered last week against the 49ers. Cousins took an increased amount of reps this week. Head coach Raheem Morris said a decision would come on game day.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told reporters on Saturday that the league "will look into" the Baltimore Ravens handling of Lamar Jackson's practice designations this week after he was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears with an ongoing hamstring injury.

The Cleveland Browns want a taste of what Brendan Rice can offer an NFL team. The son of Jerry Rice was worked out by the Browns on Friday, Oct. 24, just days before Cleveland is set to take on the New England Patriots.

The AFC East-leading New England Patriots (5-2) are rolling, and it's not just because of quarterback Drake Maye, and their eighth-ranked scoring offense (25.9 points per game). Head coach Mike Vrabel's defense is No. 5 in the NFL in scoring (19.0 points per game allowed) and third in the NFL in run defense (77.1 rushing yards per game allowed).

Amid constant rumors and speculation regarding a potential trade of three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie addressed his stance on the subject this week.

With the Miami Dolphins sitting at 1-6 and coming off an embarrassing loss to the Cleveland Browns, it’s a good time to start thinking about the 2026 NFL draft.