Now that we're entering Week 8 of the NFL season, players who were added to injured reserve four weeks ago or earlier are eligible to come back to the game, having served their month on the sidelines. For some of these players, that rest period won't be enough; despite their eligibility, they'll need a bit more time to heal from whatever was bothering them and get into game shape. But others are ready to jump back in—and at just the right time.
Indeed, for a struggling offense or defense, the return of a fan-favorite player or play-making starter can make all the difference. So let’s take a look at some of the key talents now eligible to return from both IR or the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list this coming weekend, focusing primarily on game-changers who have either been designated to return or have had their 21-day practice window opened; stand a chance of being activated by the time the game rolls around; or could be brought in very soon, if not this week.
What is the Injured Reserve?
Players move to IR when they have a football-related injury that will require them to miss at least four weeks of play. These players do not count against the 53-man active roster limit, and teams can designate up to eight players to return from IR during the regular season.
What is PUP, or Physically Unable to Perform?
PUP, or physically unable to perform, is similar to IR.
Players are placed on active/PUP at the start of training camp because of a football-related injury, but the difference is that they count against the active roster limit. These PUP players can participate in all team activities except practice and can be activated at any point during camp once cleared. If a player is still on this list as of roster cutdowns, they must either be counted against the 53-man roster, get traded, get released or be moved to the reserve/PUP list, where they are then required to miss the first four games of the season and do not count against the active roster limit.
Key NFL Players Who Could Return From IR, PUP in Week 8Aaron Jones, Vikings RB
This is a big one. The Vikings opened running back Aaron Jones's practice window on Tuesday, and it sounds like there's a strong possibility he is back on the gridiron for Thursday night's game against the Chargers. Jones has not played since Week 2 due to a hamstring injury.
”He’s a guy that you don't need to get out there and test too much because of his rehab and the work he's done on the side fields,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said Tuesday, per 's Ben Goessling. “He’s a veteran player. He knows what he has to do. He knows what he needs to feel like. We’ll be smart with Aaron, but at the same time, he's here for a reason, and we know what he can bring to our offense.”
Christian Watson, Packers WR
Watson, who was not activated in time for the Packers' game against the Cardinals on Oct. 19, has "looked pretty damn good" in practice, coach Matt LaFleur said on Oct. 10. The team opened Watson's window on Oct. 6, which means they will have until Oct. 27—a.k.a. Monday—to activate him. The Packers play the Steelers in Week 8.
The receiver, who totaled 620 yards and two touchdowns in 2024, was on PUP-R to start the season after tearing his ACL in 2024.
Marshawn Lloyd, Packers RB
To be honest, it is not likely that Lloyd, on IR with a hamstring injury, will return in time for Week 8. There haven't been many updates on him, and the team has yet to open his 21-day practice window. But his 2025 debut be on the horizon. Ahead of Week 7's contest, LaFleur said Lloyd is "getting closer." That is pretty vague, but in the absence of much else, we'll take it.
Lloyd has not played a game so far this season and only played one in 2024, in which he rushed for 15 yards off six carries. Ideally, he turns into something behind standout back Josh Jacobs, but we'll see what even happens for the third-round pick.
Aidan O'Connell, Raiders QB
The Vegas offense has looked dreadful so far under veteran quarterback Geno Smith. At the moment, former AFC North mainstay Kenny Pickett is behind him, but that's with Aidan O'Connell sidelined while recovering from wrist surgery. On Oct. 13, head coach Pete Carroll said that O'Connell is progressing "great" in his recovery and is "throwing the ball."
Having served his time on IR, O'Connell is now eligible to return. The Raiders have their bye in Week 8, but perhaps O'Connell will come back the following game, in Week 9. Whether he is moved to QB2 over Pickett, though, we'll have to see.
Jonathan Mingo, Cowboys WR
The Cowboys activated Jonathan Mingo (knee) from injured reserve on Tuesday after opening his practice window on Oct. 1. Though he did not play in Week 7's win over the Commanders, there seems to be a good chance he could suit up vs. the Broncos on Sunday. With both CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin back, however, who knows what type of playing time he might get.
Phil Mafah, Cowboys RB
Mafah, rookie running back for the Cowboys, was moved to IR ahead of Week 1 with a shoulder injury, though he was designated to return. His practice window has not yet been opened, but he is now eligible to come back. If and when he is ready, the Cowboys could possibly use him alongside Jaydon Blue to supplement the run game in Miles Sanders's absence.
