We all need to keep an eye on the injury reports at the running back position because they drastically affect the fantasy football landscape on a weekly basis. Here are some of the most recent injury updates we have at RB heading into Week 5’s matchups.
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Injury Updates for Top Fantasy Football RBs
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
As much as your fantasy team needs Saquon Barkley to return the field, I’d argue this New York Giants offense needs him even more.
Barkley has missed the last two games dealing with an ankle injury. But he has managed to get on the practice field as a limited participant on both Wednesday and Thursday.
Standout RB Saquon Barkley at practice on Friday. He was getting his right ankle re-taped earlier at practice.
We’ll see how the Giants list him on the injury report. Don’t feel great about it right now. #giants #dolphins pic.twitter.com/mJJ7MYTOyD
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 6, 2023
The Giants’ offense was struggling with Barkley in the lineup through the first two games of the season.
Without Barkley over the two games, the offense has generated just one offensive touchdown and 15 total points in two demoralizing losses against the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.
It is no surprise that Barkley was officially deemed questionable for Sunday after participating in practice this week.
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However, you will likely need to monitor his official status on Sunday morning to confirm that he is going to be active.
The #Giants listed RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) as questionable for Sunday.
LT Andrew Thomas (hamstring) is out again.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 6, 2023
Barkley produced 155 total yards and two TDs through the first two games of the season prior to injuring his ankle against the Arizona Cardinals.
If he is active for Sunday, the Giants’ talented bell cow is definitely in the top 10 at the RB position heading into their matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
#Giants Injury Game Statuses at #Dolphins
OUT: LT Andrew Thomas (left hamstring), C John Michael Schmitz (shoulder), G Shane Lemieux (groin)
QUESTIONABLE: RB Saquon Barkley (high right ankle sprain), LB Micah McFadden (right ankle), TE Daniel Bellinger (left knee)
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) October 6, 2023
However, if Barkley misses a third straight game, Matt Breida likely becomes a top-35 RB play in Week 5.
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos
Javonte Williams suffered a quad injury early in the team’s 31-28 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 4, which has caused him to miss some time in practice earlier this week.
#Broncos–#Jets injury report #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/hz965WgSlN
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 5, 2023
Despite missing practice on Wednesday, his appearance in a limited fashion for Thursday’s practice certainly gives him a chance at getting on the field for Sunday when the Broncos take on the New York Jets.
What makes Williams’ situation even worse is the potential involvement of rookie running back Jaleel McLaughlin after his breakout performance against the Bears with Williams unavailable.
McLaughlin generated 104 total yards and scored his second touchdown over the season with his expanded role when Williams exited the game with his quad injury.
For some perspective, Williams is yet to top 100 total yards in a game this season, and he’s still in search of his first touchdown this season.
If Williams is active for Sunday, he feels like a top-30 RB play against a quality Jets defense and a potential expansion of McLaughlin’s role after his big performance.
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If Williams can’t go in Week 5, McLaughlin feels like the best fantasy option from this backfield, with Samaje Perine only producing 35 yards on eight total touches last week.
#Broncos RB Javonte Williams said his injury is a hip flexor. He's questionable for Sunday vs. Jets. "They're going to talk about it tonight in a staff meeting and I'll probably know more in the morning (on if he plays Sunday)." He said he would be ready to go if needed. "Yeah."
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) October 6, 2023
Editor’s Note: Williams said he is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Jets.
Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers
Miles Sanders is coming off of his least-efficient game of the 2023 season against the Minnesota Vikings. Some of his production issues may have to do with the fact he was battling through a groin injury all throughout the week leading up to the game.
Fortunately, he did log a full practice on Friday, which bodes well for his availability against the Detroit Lions in Week 5.
Panthers injury report pic.twitter.com/fgfO6Nrog4
— Panthers On Tap (@PanthersOnTap) October 6, 2023
If Sanders is active for Sunday, he still feels like the best fantasy RB play in the Panthers’ backfield.
However, since he was outproduced by Chuba Hubbard by 21 total yards on their 16 total touches each, Sanders is ranked outside of my top 25 at the RB position this week.
If Sanders is unable to go against the Lions, Hubbard will get a slight bump in the rankings to a top-35 RB play in Week 5.