There have been so many RBs that have gone down to injury in 2023, but on a positive note, some of them look to be returning to their teams soon. Here is an update on the fantasy football-relevant RBs who are on injured reserve (IR) this week.
Which Running Backs Are on IR in Week 9?
De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
With only four games played, rookie De’Von Achane is still the RB10. He has had three top-four fantasy finishes, including his incredible four-TD game against Denver in Week 3. He went on the IR before Week 6, and fantasy managers have been waiting with bated breath for his return.
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Early on in his IR stint, head coach Mike McDaniel made it clear that his star RB would be ready to return after four weeks, which would mean that he looks to take the field in Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders after the Miami Dolphins’ bye in Week 10. Miami will then look to have a full RB room, allowing veteran Raheem Mostert to get some rest as they get ready for the playoff push.
Khalil Herbert, RB, Chicago Bears
Khalil Herbert was supposed to have a breakout year in Chicago, but unfortunately, that was cut short with an ankle injury that put him on IR after Week 5. He is eligible to return in Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers. Herbert suffered a high ankle sprain in the Thursday night game against the Washington Commanders in Week 5.
We have heard very little about Herbert’s injury, which leads me to believe it has been progressing normally without setbacks. That being said, Wednesday, Nov. 8, is when we should hear if Hebert’s 21-day window is open.
D’Onta Foreman has been holding court with Herbert out, and rookie Roschon Johnson returned in Week 8. Herbert might return to a slightly different offense than he left behind, as rookie Tyson Bagent has been attempting to lead the ship while Justin Fields rehabs his thumb injury.
James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals fans have been talking mostly about the return of QB Kyler Murray, but the Cards are looking to get another player back soon — RB James Conner. Conner went on IR before Week 6 with a knee injury, but head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Wednesday that Conner is “ready to go” and “excited to get back on the field.”
Conner was RB23 when he went on IR and had three fantasy finishes inside the top 24. When he returns, look for him to slide back into his usual starting role.
Without Conner, the Cardinals have been leaning mostly on Emari Demarcado, but he looks to possibly miss this Sunday’s game. It could be Keaontay Ingram’s backfield against the aggressive Cleveland Browns run defense.
Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Suprise fantasy superstar Kyren Williams was a hero to many fantasy managers this season. Before he went on IR ahead of Week 7, he had four fantasy finishes within the top seven and was carrying the Los Angeles Rams backfield on his back. His ankle injury is what caused the move to IR, and he is eligible to return in Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks.
MORE: Fantasy Week 9 RB Start/Sit
With Williams gone, it has been a mix of Darrell Henderson Jr. and Royce Freeman, with Henderson looking to be the better overall fantasy option. Henderson has finished as RB15 and RB22 in the games he played. We haven’t heard much about Williams’ recovery, which hopefully means he is on track to return in Week 11.
The Rams could use Henderson too; with QB Matthew Stafford battling an injury, the Rams might have to use Brett Rypien under center. If Stafford has to miss multiple weeks, the Rams will no doubt lean on the run game more.
Ronnie Rivers, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Rivers joined his teammate Williams on the IR after Week 6 with an ankle injury. He can come back as early as Week 12, but his injury seems more severe than Williams’. Head coach Sean McVay might not push Rivers to return as soon as he is eligible.
Damien Harris, RB, Buffalo Bills
It was a scary sight when Damien Harris went down in Week 6 due to a horrible hit. It was PTSD for several Buffalo Bills players, but thankfully, it was later reported that Harris was OK. He went on the IR with a neck injury. He is eligible to return in Week 11 against the New York Jets.
It has mainly been James Cook and Latavius Murray carrying the load with Harris on IR, but this week the Bills signed Leonard Fournette, who is poised to help another team make a playoff run. Fournette could be picked up in very deep leagues, but I would not start him until you see how Buffalo uses him. He could simply be a depth piece.
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