While rankings and projections are beneficial, few things are more important in fantasy football than following injury updates. Injuries not only impact the player in question but the teammates and the offenses around them. Here’s an update on some critical RB injury reports to watch and their fantasy football impact.
Week 17 Fantasy Football RB Injury Report | AFC
Which AFC running backs are dealing with injuries that may affect their game status? Let’s see which RB committees are hobbled heading into Week 17.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs ruled out Clyde Edwards-Helaire from Sunday’s contest due to a shoulder issue. They also activated Jerick McKinnon.
With CEH out, Darrel Williams will remain the lead back, but McKinnon should take over as the primary passing-down back. Derrick Gore should barely play.
Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos
Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams each got in three limited practices this week. Gordon is dealing with thumb and hip issues, while Williams is dealing with a knee injury. Both are listed as questionable, but they’re expected to play according to Adam Schefter. However, it is worth noting that the Broncos are ravaged by COVID-19 and unlikely to score many points this weekend. Proceed with caution.
Damien Harris, New England Patriots
Damien Harris was limited at practice all week due to his lingering hamstring strain. He’s listed as questionable. Rhamondre Stevenson would be a must-start if Harris ends up not playing.
Update: Harris is active.
Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns
Kareem Hunt got in a limited practice on Friday and Saturday. He’s listed as questionable due to his ankle sprain. Hunt is a true game-time decision — I would not be willing to roll the dice on him Monday night.
Week 17 Fantasy Football RB Injury Report | NFC
Which NFC running backs are dealing with injuries that may affect their game status? Let’s see which RB committees are hobbled heading into Week 17.
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Saquon Barkley’s practice reps were managed at practice this week as they’ve been all season. He carries no injury designation and will continue to play through his ankle injury.
Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams
Cam Akers got in three full practices this week. He’s attempting to return from an offseason Achilles tear.
He’s listed as questionable, but head coach Sean McVay said Akers is probably not going to play this week. This was confirmed by Adam Schefter on Sunday morning.
Alex Collins, Seattle Seahawks
Alex Collins is listed as questionable with an abdominal issue. However, it doesn’t matter if he plays — Rashaad Penny is the clear lead back now.
James Conner and Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals
James Conner did not practice Wednesday and Thursday before logging a limited session on Friday due to his heel issue. Chase Edmonds got in a full practice Friday. He has a minor back issue. Conner is listed as questionable, while Edmonds carries no injury designation. Edmonds is an RB1 if Conner can’t go.
Update: Conner is inactive.
Antonio Gibson, Washington Football Team
Antonio Gibson tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday. He is out Sunday. Jaret Patterson will start, and Jonathan Williams should get some run as well. Patterson is not a recommended fantasy option.
Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints
Mark Ingram is listed as questionable with a knee issue. It sounds like he will play, but Alvin Kamara would be in line for a heavy workload if he can’t.
Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers
Aaron Jones has been dealing with a knee injury for a month now. He was limited at practice all week but carries no injury designation and will play Sunday.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers
Elijah Mitchell got in three limited practices this week. He’s listed as questionable due to a knee injury, but it sounds like he will play this week. Adam Schefter tweeted out that Mitchell is, in fact, expected to play. Furthermore, the 49ers cut Brian Hill, suggesting they expect Mitchell to be on the field. Mitchell’s return relegates Jeff Wilson to backup and makes him unstartable in fantasy.
Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard, Philadelphia Eagles
Miles Sanders is out this week due to his broken hand. Jordan Howard got in limited practices Thursday and Friday. He’s listed as questionable due to a stinger. Howard would be an RB2 as the Eagles’ projected lead back if he plays and according to Adam Schefter, is expected to do so. If Howard can’t go, Boston Scott slots in as an RB2. He’s a risky flex play if Howard goes.
Update: Howard is active.
D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions
D’Andre Swift got in three full practices this week. Indeed, his shoulder sprain appears to be behind him. He carries no injury designation and will play Sunday. Head coach Dan Campbell said Swift has fresh legs and is ready to go. As a result, confidently start him as an RB2.