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.
Week 18 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 18.
Michael Carter | New York Jets
Michael Carter suffered a concussion in Sunday’s loss to the Bucs. He will go through the protocol, and if he clears, I expect him to play in Week 18. If Carter can’t go, Tevin Coleman should return from the reserve/COVID-19 list this week and start.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire | Kansas City Chiefs
Head coach Andy Reid said Clyde Edwards-Helaire has a chance to play Saturday, but he did not practice on Tuesday. CEH missed last week’s game with a shoulder issue.
Darrel Williams would be a near every-down back once again if CEH can’t go.
Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams | Denver Broncos
Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams continue to be limited at practice (Tuesday’s report was an estimated one). Gordon is dealing with thumb and hip issues, while Williams has a lingering knee issue. This late in the season, teams are going to protect players. Both will play on Saturday.
Derrick Henry | Tennessee Titans
The Titans anticipate Derrick Henry practicing Wednesday for the first time since breaking his foot over two months ago.
However, with an inside track to the No. 1 seed and a game against the lowly Texans, don’t expect to see Henry in Week 18. Instead, expect to see him when the Titans host a Divisional Round playoff game.
Week 18 Fantasy Football RB Injury Report | NFC
Which NFC running backs are dealing with injuries that may affect their game status? Let’s see which RB committees are hobbled heading into Week 18.
Ronald Jones and Ke’Shawn Vaughn | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ronald Jones tweaked his ankle, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn hurt his ribs in Week 17. In a true worst-case scenario, Le’Veon Bell is the only healthy running back on the Bucs’ roster. Leonard Fournette will not be returning until the postseason.
Tony Pollard | Dallas Cowboys
Tony Pollard was limited at Tuesday’s practice, but the team is just managing his reps due to his torn plantar fascia.
Pollard will play Saturday. To what extent depends on how head coach Mike McCarthy handles a relatively meaningless game.
Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and Jordan Howard | Philadelphia Eagles
Head coach Nick Sirianni said Miles Sanders is probably not going to play this week. He did not practice Tuesday due to his broken hand. Sirianni is hoping the Eagles will get Sanders back for the playoffs.
Boston Scott and Jordan Howard are on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Under the new protocols, they still have a chance to play Saturday against the Cowboys. Given how little this game means for the Eagles, even if they can return, the team may elect to hold them out just to be safe. Kenneth Gainwell is currently the only healthy running back on Philadelphia’s active roster.