Nothing can derail a potentially successful fantasy football season quicker than injuries, especially those that come to the ever-so-critical running back position. As we head into Week 4, several RBs find themselves on the injury report. Therefore, fantasy managers need to pay close attention to any RB injury updates and reports as kickoffs draw close.
For the most recent injury news, make sure to check out our most up-to-date fantasy football injury report.
Fantasy RB Injury Report | Week 4
After a seemingly brutal week full of injuries, these are the running backs to watch for in Week 4.
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
After watching McCaffrey head into the blue medical tent on Thursday [September 23], fantasy managers felt an overwhelming sense of dread, given that McCaffrey is an irreplaceable player. After CMC was ruled out with a hamstring injury, managers were left wondering if the ailment would keep him out for a significant amount of time. Luckily enough, it appears McCaffrey dodged a potentially severe injury.
Head coach Matt Rhule said Monday [September 27] that McCaffrey would not be placed on injured reserve as he recovers from a Grade 1 sprain. McCaffrey will likely miss at least one more game, but there is a glimmer of optimism that he’ll return sooner rather than later.
Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
After sustaining a sprained ankle in Week 2, Cook was declared out and missed Week 3. His absence wasn’t surprising, given that he did not practice all week. Cook is listed as questionable for Week 4. However, due to Alexander Mattison’s success and the fact that there are still 14 weeks left in the regular season, Minnesota could hold Cook out another game.
James White, New England Patriots
White suffered a subluxation of the hip during Week 3 and will be out indefinitely, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. The veteran RB has been undergoing tests, but given the timeline of similar injuries (Ryan Fitzpatrick was given six-to-eight weeks), an IR stint is likely. Entering Sunday’s game, White led the Patriots with 12 receptions for 94 yards while adding 9 rushes for 32 yards.
Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
At his press conference on Monday, head coach Jon Gruden gave an update on Jacobs (ankle), stating he hopes the RB can return to practice this week.
“I met with Josh this morning, and we’re going to see how he feels on the practice field this week,” Gruden said. “Not making any predictions, but we’re hopeful we can get him back on the grass at some point this week.”
Jacobs has missed the last two games. In Week 3, Peyton Barber was the Raiders’ top RB, carrying the ball 26 times and recording 141 total yards. If Jacobs is out again, Barber could be an intriguing low-end RB2 or flex play for fantasy.
Week 4 RB Injury Report
There are several more running backs with injury question marks heading into Week 4.
Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams
After he was unable to practice all week, Darrell Henderson (ribs) was ruled out for Week 3.
Head coach Sean McVay said on Monday that Henderson has been “making good progress” and the team is “hopeful that we’ll be able to have him for this week.” McVay expects to have a better idea of Henderson’s outlook later this week.
At the time of his injury, Henderson was the RB9 in PPR formats while averaging 16.5 points per game. For now, Sony Michel will lead the LA’s backfield.
Tevin Coleman, New York Jets
Coleman didn’t show up on New York’s injury report until Friday and was listed as a full participant. However, he was declared out for Sunday’s game with a non-COVID-19-related illness.
We should expect to see Coleman return in Week 4 when the Jets play the Tennessee Titans.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers
Mitchell suffered a shoulder injury late against the Eagles in Week 2, and while he did get in a limited practice on Friday, he was subsequently downgraded from doubtful to out for Week 3.
Given how Trey Semon looked as San Francisco’s lead back last week, Mitchell will likely take back over as the starting RB for the 49ers once he is cleared. Until then, Sermon will be very difficult to trust in fantasy and should be viewed as an RB3.