As semifinals in the majority of fantasy football leagues are getting ready to start, it is as important as ever to make sure you know the health status of all your players. While every position is very important in fantasy, the running back spot can have a variety of scoring. There are a few running backs who could play a major role this week, but they may also not even get to see the field.
Here is a look at the latest fantasy injury updates regarding Aaron Jones, Kenneth Walker III, and Zack Moss as we near the start of Week 16.
Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers
Editor’s note: Jones was a limited participant in practice on Thursday.
Jones missed the previous three games with an injury, but he was back last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite missing a few weeks, he looked pretty good. He finished the game with 13 carries for 53 yards and showed some of the explosiveness fans have come to expect from him.
It has been an extremely tough year for Jones. Barring a completely insane next three weeks, he is going to finish short of 1,000 total yards of offense for the first time since 2018. The 53 rushing yards last week was only the second time he has rushed for at least 50 yards in a game this year.
Another statistic to take a look at was the 13 carries for Jones. That was only the third time this year he has rushed the ball at least 13 times in eight games this season. He was limited at practice on Wednesday, but the fact he practiced is probably a good sign for him moving forward.
We will know more in the next 24 or so hours, but things seem to be moving toward Jones being able to play. If he can go, don’t be surprised if he has a solid game against the Carolina Panthers.
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Editor’s note: Walker was listed as a DNP again in practice on Thursday.
Walker was drafted in fantasy with high expectations for this year, as he was looking to build off a very impressive rookie year consisting of 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns. While he is on pace for a similar type of season, he has had to battle injuries more this year.
He missed both Week 12 and 13 due to an oblique injury, and now, he is dealing with a shoulder injury. It didn’t bother him too much though on Monday night, as he rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown in the 20-17 win against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Walker was held out of the team’s walkthrough on Wednesday, so his status for the game against the Tennessee Titans on Christmas Eve is in question. That is a little more worrisome if you are Walker’s manager, as walkthroughs are when the team installs their first set of plays.
However, unless Walker is hurt more than expected from the game against the Eagles, I would expect him to play. He looked terrific and explosive against Philadelphia, and the team will need him to win this week’s game.
Zack Moss, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Editor’s note: Moss was listed as a DNP again in practice on Thursday.
The Indianapolis Colts have leaned heavily on Moss, while RB Jonathan Taylor has dealt with injuries both coming into the season and currently with his thumb injury. Last week, though, it was Moss having to leave the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Still, he was able to rush for 33 yards and score a touchdown in the first half, showing he was on his way to a solid fantasy day. He was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday’s practice estimate, so his status moving forward is in the air.
Not only is his status unclear, but even if Moss is active for Sunday, his value will be influenced big time by the status of Taylor. Moss is a viable RB2 option if Taylor misses a third straight game. If Moss plays against the Atlanta Falcons, but Taylor is active, Moss plummets to an RB3/Flex option for Week 16.
On Wednesday, the Colts were optimistic that Taylor will play against the Atlanta Falcons, so keep an eye on both of these Indianapolis running backs.
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