The NFL is heading into Week 8 and some players could be on the way back from injuries, including Dez Bryant and Ben Roethlisberger. Joseph Randle is dealing with a strained oblique and could be suspended for an off the field incident, while Antonio Gates could be out and Tony Romo is getting close to returning.
The Dallas Cowboys have been struggling and they are hoping that Dez Bryant can get back over the next stretch of games. Tony Romo is on the IR with designation to return, so his earliest game back is Week 11, but there is chance that Bryant could return earlier. Jason Garrett said that Bryant had a "good day" on Wednesday and the team is hoping that Bryant can get some practice time before he returns to the field.
Bryant was back at practice on Wednesday and the Dallas Morning News reports that Bryant is "on target" to return against the Seahawks this weekend. Bryant has played in only one game this season before injuring his foot and he has been recovering from surgery. Bryant has just five catches this season in one game and the Cowboys are hoping he can return for the stretch run. ESPN reports that Romo has started throwing and as his eligibility return gets closer, the Cowboys likely will prepare to have him back against the Dolphins.
Ben Roethlisberger is expected to return against the Bengals in Week 8, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Roethlisberger was dealing with a knee sprain and the report says that he likely will wear a knee brace this week. Roethlisberger was able to practice in full this week and he comes in after missing the last four games for Pittsburgh. The team is going up against an undefeated Bengals team and the offense would love to have Roethlisberger back.
Joseph Randle is dealing with an injury and the running back also could be suspended for an off the field incident from earlier in the year. According to Pro Football Talk, Randle will not play in Week 8 with an oblique injury and Adam Schefter at ESPN reports that it's possible Randle could be suspended for a domestic incident from February. Todd Archer at ESPN Dallas writes that Randle could be fined since the charges were dropped, but that a one or two game suspension is possible. Randle had a chance to start for the Cowboys this season, but he has been demoted for Darren McFadden.
Antonio Gates missed practice on Thursday and he could be out again this week after missing the matchup last week for the Chargers. Gates is dealing with a knee injury and he likely will be replaced in the starting lineup with Ladarius Green if he misses the next game for the Chargers. Arian Foster is out for the season for the Houston Texans after suffering a torn Achilles injury. The Texans now have Alfred Blue and Chris Polk as the main options at running back.
Check here for more on injury updates and Week 8 status for players.