Bills' Palmer Doubtful With Hamstring Injury

Buffalo wide receiver Josh Palmer is doubtful to return after suffering a hamstring injury in the Week 8 game against Baltimore.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Football

Bills' Palmer Doubtful With Hamstring Injury

Bills wide receiver Josh Palmer injured his hamstring during the Week 8 game against the Ravens and is doubtful to return. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was ruled out of the matchup with a right thumb injury.

Why it matters

Injury designations in Week 8 affect both rosters and playoff positioning for teams in the Buffalo area and across the league. Palmer's status could shape the Bills' receiving depth as the season progresses.

Five Week 8 games carry questionable designations for injured players, including Darien Porter (groin) and YaYa Diaby (knee). Expected recovery timelines beyond the weekly designations were not provided in the report.

The players

Josh Palmer

Palmer is a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills whose hamstring injury sidelined him during the Week 8 game against Baltimore.

Lamar Jackson

Jackson is the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, a two-time NFL MVP who was ruled out of the Buffalo game with a right thumb injury.

The details

Palmer was hurt during the Bills' game against Baltimore, and the team has listed him as doubtful for its next contest. Separately, Richard Smith will not travel with the Bears to Seattle for Monday's game due to a health issue, with Kevin Koch handling linebackers coach duties.

Week 8 Sunday, November 1, 2026: Bills host the Ravens, and Lamar Jackson is ruled out.
Monday, November 2, 2026: Bears face the Seahawks in Seattle without Richard Smith.

Season Trajectory

Week 8 injury designations for the Bills and Ravens follow the NFL's standard Out, Doubtful, and Questionable reporting structure that governs game-day availability each week. The status of key receivers and quarterbacks in this window can shift playoff positioning for contenders in the AFC.

Fantasy managers relying on Josh Palmer should monitor his practice reports, since a doubtful designation can leave Buffalo's receiving depth thin. Ravens fans will see Lamar Jackson sidelined with the thumb injury, which affects that offense's passing projection.

The takeaway

Injury designations released each week are a practical signal for lineup decisions, so checking the latest report before game day helps avoid surprises in both fantasy and real football.