Fantasy injury updates drive decision-making; it’s really that simple. Fantasy football managers’ ability to sift through the noise and adjust their thoughts on specific situations is critical to success. With that said, here is what we know about Saquon Barkley, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jeff Wilson Jr.
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Injury Updates for Top Fantasy Football Running Backs
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
- Injury: Hamstring
- Week 6 Opponent: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Editor’s Note: Gibbs has been ruled out for Week 6’s matchup against the Buccaneers.
Jahmyr Gibbs had a good practice on Wednesday and was rested on Thursday, but there hasn’t been abundant optimism shared about the explosive rookie’s status for this weekend. That said, he shouldn’t be on your radar as a starter at the moment, regardless of his health. His next game with 10 carries alongside David Montgomery will be his first, and while Gibbs has the talent to make big plays, we’ve yet to see his star rise in the passing game.
He needs to remain rostered, but you can slide Gibbs onto your bench for the foreseeable future.
Analysis last updated at 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday, October 13.
Jeff Wilson Jr., Miami Dolphins
- Injury: Ribs/finger
- Week 6 Opponent: vs. Carolina Panthers
Editor’s Note: Wilson is officially out for Sunday’s game.
Jeff Wilson Jr. could come off the PUP list this week after being a limited participant in practice for a Miami Dolphins backfield that lacks the depth they had a week ago due to De’Von Achane’s injury. Wilson, if active, doesn’t need to be started this week (snap count will be limited to 25 initially, per Mike McDaniel on Friday), though you could do worse in a game where Miami is a 13.5-point favorite.
MORE: Week 6 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
The rub with Wilson is staying healthy, not talent. He was productive for the ‘Phins last season, and I expect him to be efficient when given the opportunity this season. But I am skeptical that the touch count gets much past 10 while he works his way into shape. He’s a nice depth piece to have, but not one that I’m counting on in the short term.
Analysis last updated at 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, October 14.
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
- Injury: Ankle
- Week 6 Opponent: at Buffalo Bills (SNF)
Saquon Barkley hasn’t played since suffering an ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, but the New York Giants star does seem to be trending in the right direction for this showdown against the Bills.
Of course, fantasy managers very much need to be on high alert for news, as this game is the final one on Sunday. With Monday Night Football featuring a pair of workhorse running backs, your ability to field a backup option isn’t great.
Savvy fantasy managers will make sure to plug Barkley into their Flex spot this week, allowing them maximum flexibility should his status take a turn for the worst. In doing so, you allow yourself to pivot to Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Michael Gallup, or even Wan’Dale Robinson should we get late news that Barkley will sit.
Editor’s Note: Barkley is officially questionable for Week 6’s matchup against the Bills.
Winning fantasy matchups is often about who plans ahead, and with this Barkley injury lingering, you’d be wise to keep as many (non-Giant RB) options on the table as possible!
Analysis last updated at 2:15 p.m. EST on Friday, October 13.