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 fantasy football injury news, make sure to check out our up-to-date Week 16 WR Injury Report and our Week 16 TE and QB Injury Report.
Week 16 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 16.
Austin Ekeler | Los Angeles Chargers
Austin Ekeler did not clear COVID protocols and is out Sunday. Justin Jackson will start with Joshua Kelley and, to a lesser extent, Larry Rountree III behind him.
Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Brandon Bolden | New England Patriots
Rhamondre Stevenson did not practice all week with an illness. It turns out it was COVID-19 all along. He tested positive Friday and is out Sunday.
Damien Harris, on the other hand, was limited all week as he works his way back from a hamstring strain. Brandon Bolden was also limited with a knee issue. Both are listed as questionable. Bolden is expected to play, while the report from Ian Rapoport Sunday morning is that Harris “should be good to go today”.
Update: Harris is active.
David Johnson | Houston Texans
David Johnson didn’t practice all week with a quad issue. He’s listed as questionable but is not expected to play. Rex Burkhead will lead this backfield regardless.
Update: Johnson is inactive.
Joe Mixon | Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Mixon practiced in full all week. He tweaked his ankle last week, but carries no injury designation and will play Sunday.
James Robinson | Jacksonville Jaguars
James Robinson got in a full practice Friday. Robinson’s managing a knee issue, but he carries no injury designation and will play Sunday.
Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon | Denver Broncos
Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon are dealing with knee and hip/thumb issues, respectively. Nevertheless, both practiced fully on Friday and carry no injury designation. They will play Sunday.
Week 16 Fantasy Football RB Injury Report | NFC
How is the NFC faring at the running back position? These are the names worth monitoring.
Cam Akers | Los Angeles Rams
On the list of things I didn’t think I’d have to do this season, provide an update on Cam Akers is right at the top. The sophomore running back tore his Achilles over the summer and was presumed to be done for the season. Well, he’s back.
The Rams activated Akers on Saturday, but he is out this week. This was purely a procedural move so Akers gets his pension credit for having three games on the active roster.
Saquon Barkley | New York Giants
The Giants manage Saquon Barkley’s reps at practice to protect his ankle, but he’s fine. He carries no injury designation and will play.
Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard | Dallas Cowboys
Ezekiel Elliott (knee) and Tony Pollard (foot) carry no injury designation and will both play this week.
Antonio Gibson | Washington Football Team
Update: Ian Rapoport reported there is some optimism Gibson will play. It’s not the most encouraging report, but it’s something.
Antonio Gibson did not practice all week. He’s dealing with a toe issue eerily similar to the one that hampered him throughout his rookie season. He enters Week 16 listed as questionable and is a game-time decision.
Jaret Patterson and Jonathan Williams would form an undesirable committee if Gibson cannot play.
Alexander Mattison | Minnesota Vikings
Alexander Mattison got in limited practices this week as he returns from COVID. He is not listed on the final injury report and will back up Dalvin Cook Sunday.
Miles Sanders | Philadelphia Eagles
Miles Sanders did not practice all week due to a quad issue, but he carries no injury designation and will play Sunday.
D’Andre Swift | Detroit Lions
We’re back to September with D’Andre Swift getting in three limited practices and being listed as questionable. He’s trying to return from a shoulder sprain. It seems illogical to have Swift practice all week if he’s not going to play, but right now, we just don’t know for sure. Fortunately, the Lions play at 1 PM ET.
Update: Swift is inactive.