Fantasy football managers struggled to fill their roster this week given bye weeks and injuries to several RBs. Can managers expect some of them to return soon? Here is the latest on Austin Ekeler, David Montgomery, and Roschon Johnson.
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Latest Fantasy Injury Updates
Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Editor’s Note (10/25/2023): Ekeler was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, putting him on track to play in Sunday Night Football.
Fantasy managers missed Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler greatly and welcomed him back with open arms in Week 6 after missing three games due to an ankle injury. During Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Ekeler came up limping after a second-quarter rushing attempt.
Lingering effects from a high ankle sprain could be playing a part, but this is an injury that must be monitored as the week progresses. Ekeler finished the day with 45 yards on the ground in a rough overall showing for the entire Chargers squad. If Ekeler reaggravated something and has to miss more time, expect Joshua Kelley to step up once again.
Kelley had a good game on Sunday, finishing with 75 yards rushing on seven carries with a touchdown.
Analysis last updated at 4:45 p.m. EST on Wednesday, October 25.
David Montgomery, RB, Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions star RB David Montgomery left Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a rib injury. Soon after, head coach Dan Campbell said Montgomery “is expected to miss some time.” Montgomery sat out the Week 7 game against the Baltimore Ravens, and it is unclear when he will return.
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Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs took on the RB1 role in a brutal day from Detroit but still finished with a great stat line — 68 yards on 11 carries and 58 yards on nine receptions. He also scored a TD, and if Montgomery spends another game on the sideline, expect another RB1 performance from Gibbs in Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders. You could also see some Craig Reynolds sprinkled in.
Roschon Johnson, RB, Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears rookie RB Roschon Johnson was poised to take the reigns when Khalil Herbert went on IR. However, Johnson had his own injury concerns, missing Weeks 6 and 7 due to a concussion.
Head coach Matt Eberflus is optimistic that Johnson, in the final stage of concussion protocol, will return this week. If Johnson makes it back into the lineup, expect a shared backfield with D’Onta Foreman, who has earned his place in the rotation with his stellar performance in Week 7.
The Bears take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8, and if rookie QB Tyson Bagent is under center again, the RBs could have another big day.
Editor’s note: Johnson has been cleared to return to practice on Wednesday.
Analysis last updated at 12:18 p.m. EST on Wednesday, October 25.