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.
For more injury news on players like Jaylen Waddle, DeAndre Hopkins, and Josh Allen, make sure to check out our Week 15 WR Injury Report and QB/TE Injury Report.
Week 15 Fantasy Football RB Injury Report | AFC
Which running backs are dealing with injuries that may affect their game status? Let’s see which RB committees are hobbled heading into Week 15.
Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns
The Browns ruled Kareem Hunt out due to an ankle sprain. Adding insult to injury, he is now on the reserve/COVID-19 list. D’Ernest Johnson will backup Nick Chubb on Monday.
Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos
Javonte Williams returned to practice Friday, getting in a limited session. The Broncos listed him as questionable with a knee injury. Melvin Gordon, meanwhile, is dealing with a thumb and hip issue. He was also limited at practice all week and is listed as questionable. Nevertheless, head coach Vic Fangio expects both to play Sunday. Adam Schefter tweeted out the same thing late Saturday night.
Update: Both backs are active.
Rex Burkhead, Houston Texans
Initially, head coach David Culley said Rex Burkhead was out this week with a hip issue. However, Burkhead returned to a limited practice on Thursday and could play Sunday.
Houston listed him as questionable. It still doesn’t sound like Burkhead is playing, but he has a shot. David Johnson and Royce Freeman would form a committee if Burkhead cannot go.
Update: Burkhead is active.
James Robinson and Carlos Hyde, Jacksonville Jaguars
James Robinson practiced in full. He’s had a lingering heel issue for weeks but will play. The Jaguars have already ruled Carlos Hyde out due to a concussion.
The entire Miami Dolphins’ running back corps
Heading into Friday, Duke Johnson was the only healthy member of the Dolphins’ backfield. Fortunately, Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed cleared COVID protocols and should return Sunday. Phillip Lindsay and Gerrid Doaks remain on the COVID list.
Update: Gaskin and Ahmed are active.
Michael Carter and Tevin Coleman, New York Jets
On Saturday, the Jets activated Michael Carter from injured reserve. Head coach Robert Saleh said Carter, who missed the last three weeks with a sprained ankle, would have a significant role. Tevin Coleman is also back from the concussion protocol and will be involved as well.
Week 15 Fantasy Football RB Injury Report | NFC
How is the NFC faring at the running back position? These are the names worth monitoring.
James Conner and Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals
After sitting out Wednesday and Thursday, James Conner returned to a limited practice Friday. He’s dealing with a sprained ankle and is listed as questionable. Adam Schefter tweeted out that Conner is expected to play.
On Saturday, the Cardinals finally activated Chase Edmonds off of IR. Edmonds had been dealing with a high ankle sprain. He will return this week and could see a decent workload with Conner banged up. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury expects both to play this week.
Update: Conner and Edmonds are active.
David Montgomery, Chicago Bears
I probably don’t need David Montgomery’s name here at all. He sat out Thursday’s practice with an illness but is otherwise fine and not on the final injury report. He will play Monday.
Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys
Ezekiel Elliott practiced in full all week and carries no injury designation. He will play through his knee injury. Tony Pollard got in limited practices Thursday and Friday as he deals with a torn plantar fascia. Dallas listed him as questionable. Adam Schefter tweeted Sunday morning that Pollard is expected to play, but suggested he could be limited.
Ian Rapoport reported later on Sunday morning that the decision will not be made until after the pre-game workout. It’s worth noting the Cowboys elevated JaQuan Hardy from the practice squad. With Corey Clement already active as the RB3, Hardy being active would make Pollard even riskier than he already is.
Update: Pollard is active
D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions
D’Andre Swift has not practiced in three weeks due to his shoulder sprain. He is out this week. The Lions have yet to place him on IR, but with just three weeks remaining in the regular season, it is exceedingly unlikely he plays another snap this season.
Jamaal Williams remains on the COVID list. Head coach Dan Campbell said he does not expect anyone on the list to return this week.
Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers
After missing Thursday’s practice due to an illness, Aaron Jones returned to a limited practice Friday and carries no injury designation. He will play Sunday but remains the 1B behind AJ Dillon’s 1A.
Darrell Henderson Jr., Los Angeles Rams
Darrell Henderson Jr. cleared COVID protocols and is expected to play Tuesday.
Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings
Alexander Mattison remains on the COVID list. Based on the new protocols, he can return if he registers a negative test by Monday.
Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints
Mark Ingram returned to practice Friday. He had been out with COVID but is cleared to return. He should play Sunday.
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
The Giants have been managing Saquon Barkley’s practice reps to protect his ankle. He carries no injury designation, though, and will play Sunday.
Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard, Philadelphia Eagles
Head coach Nick Sirianni said Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard will play Sunday. Sanders has been dealing with an ankle sprain, and Howard has been nursing a knee injury. Regardless, both practiced fully on Saturday. With the game now on Tuesday, it would be shocking if either were to miss the game.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers
Elijah Mitchell is expected to clear the concussion protocol but is still dealing with some knee discomfort. Kyle Shanahan is keenly aware of the 49ers’ short week upcoming. Mitchell did not practice all week and is out, leaving Jeff Wilson to start once again.
Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Leonard Fournette did not practice Wednesday or Thursday due to what was being described as ankle soreness. On Friday, Fournette returned to a limited session and is listed as questionable. Head coach Bruce Arians said Fournette will play Sunday night. This was then echoed by Ian Rapoport in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Update: Fournette is active.
J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team
J.D. McKissic has cleared the concussion protocol but remains absent from practice due to a neck injury. This is the first we’re hearing of an independent neck injury, and as we’ve seen, they can be very scary. He’s listed as questionable, but knowing the issue is now a neck injury, I do not expect him to play on Tuesday or at all the rest of the season.