William Moore's injury is one of many as the #MizzouMade hobble toward week 8

At the beginning of the year, fans already knew that E.J. Gaines, Zaviar Gooden, and Ziggy Hood were out with injuries suffered in the offseason. Through week 6, only one significant injury had been added to that list.

However, the NFL season is bound to take its toll, and week 7 demonstrated that amply.

There were still performances, and a few good ones, but first we must triage those in need.

The Injured

Shane Ray is expected to be out at least another few weeks, but he's using his time wisely, giving back to the community in the Denver area:

Ray is a rookie but already makes big plays on the field. He’s up and coming in the community, as well, because he knows what the influence of a professional athlete can do.

"I know how I felt about growing up and see pro football players back in my hometown and just idolizing those guys so to be able to be a positive influence to kids especially to provide for them, especially when they’re in need, is very important to me and I enjoy doing it."

Good work, Shane.

In expected news, Jeremy Maclin didn't play last week for the Chiefs. In week 6, Maclin suffered a concussion, but had passed all concussion tests leading into week 7. However, team personnel decided to keep him off the field in week 7. Arrowhead Pride examined the decision a little further by looking at the Chiefs' trainer's post-game comments.

After an early part of the season highlighted by big plays and a growing leadership role, the 6-1 Atlanta Falcons lost William Moore early in the game to a groin strain. He has not been able to practice so far this week, but his prognosis is to be determined. Moore logged one tackle prior to his injury.

Finally, Chase Coffman wasn't injured (yay!) but he is apparently the player on Tennessee's roster who has to bounce between "NFL player" and "guy on street" when other players have minor injuries. Prior to week 7's games, Coffman was released; afterward he was re-signed.

Beware The Quiet Ones...

As usual, Mizzou's pair of backup QBs saw no action in week 7. Blaine Gabbert continues to survive just below the tempest that is discussion of Colin Kaepernick's future in San Francisco. Chase Daniel got a little less airtime this week as Alex Smith led quarterbacked the Chiefs to a wonderful and awesome victory over the PIttsburgh Steelers.

Beau Brinkley: still long snapping.

Andrew Gachkar played on 16 ST snaps, but failed to log any stats in the Cowboys loss to the New York Giants.

Markus Golden played 60 snaps without getting a single tackle in week 7, but he is managing to draw some praise for his work ethic and performance

"He's exactly what we drafted - a junkyard dog," Arians told the media. 'He goes full speed in practice all the time. You have to tell him, ‘Whoa.' That's what his signature is. It's his motor."

How many junkyard dogs can Mizzou produce, exactly?

Golden's teammate Sean Weatherspoon continued to play minimal snaps behind a successful LB group for Arizona, and did not compile any stats.

Dorial Green-Beckham, who has regularly been mentioned as a player needing more game action, received none of that this week.

Role Players

C.J. Mosley snagged 2 tackles during the Dolphins laugher of a win over the Houston Texans. Perhaps Mosley will continue to benefit from the altered defensive attitude brought by the change in head coach that has Miami on a modest 2 game win streak.

Marcus Murphy returned 8 punts on Sunday for 44 yards. He was also highlighted as a piece of a 2015 draft class showing good returns (pun intended!) early for the Saints:

O-Linemen Stepping Up

In the Rams 24-6 victory over Cleveland, center Tim Barnes was part of a line that gave up only 2 sacks and paved the way for a 6.1 yard per rush average (for the very impressive Todd Gurley). At Turf Show Times, Barnes was praised for having "quietly improved" all season, and for having his "best game to date".

Mitch Morse's line for the Chiefs also limited damage to 2 sacks, while generating 4.8 yards per carry. Morse received high marks for his play, according to Arrowhead Pride.

And much maligned Justin Britt was touted as having his "best game of the year" by Field Gulls. However, the absurd number of sacks taken by Russell Wilson this season have fans thinking about bulking up the line in the 2016 draft...and in a mock, they are considering adding to the Mizzou pedigree with potential 2nd rounder Connor McGovern!

#DLineZou

Sheldon Richardson continued his solid play post-suspension, with 5 tackles and a sack against Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Aldon Smith continued to increase his playing time, and logged 3 tackles in the Raiders victory over San Diego.

Jacquies Smith, who was a sensation in the first couple weeks of this season, finally got another sack - which also forced a fumble - in week 7. He also had 2 tackles.

Kony Ealy had 4 tackles for the undefeated Carolina Panthers and received the highlight treatment from Cat Scratch Fever, discussing his 2nd season improvement.

Thanks for checking in with your Mizzou favorites, and here's to a healthier week 8!