Facebook Pixel
    Try "researchers"
    Fantasy RB Injury Report Week 16: James Robinson's status for Sunday and more
    JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 13: Jacksonville Jaguars Running Back James Robinson (30) during the game between the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 13, 2020 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    Fantasy Football
    Fantasy Football

    Fantasy RB Injury Report Week 16: James Robinson’s status for Sunday and more

    By Zach Segars

    We now approach what operates as the fantasy football championship in most leagues, Week 16. As a result, we now need to follow our Week 16 fantasy RB injury report closely. The statuses of key players like Ezekiel Elliott and James Robinson are up in the air and could determine your team’s future — let’s dive into the Week 16 RB injuries to consider.

    Fantasy RB Injury Report Week 16: The biggest injury question marks heading into Week 16

    James Robinson didn’t practice at all this week, but that means everything is going to plan for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

    What is James Robinson’s status for Week 16?

    Update, Sunday, December 27: James Robinson is inactive in Week 16

    Earlier in the week, Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone told the media he was planning to rest Robinson in practice this week. However, Marrone still expected James Robinson to suit up for Jacksonville on Sunday for their Week 16 matchup with the Bears.

    Robinson underperformed last week in the Jaguars’ blowout loss to the surging Baltimore Ravens. He was only able to gain a measly 43 all-purpose yards on 19 combined touches. Though, in his defense, he was forced to leave the game earlier than expected, as he sustained an ankle injury.

    Robinson expected to be out for Week 16

    James Robinson was listed as “questionable” for the Jaguars’ game this week. However, he was reported to be highly unlikely to play on Saturday and will most likely miss the game.

    It might be in Jacksonville’s best interest to rest Robinson. As of now, the Jaguars are in pole position to draft Trevor Lawrence, but a win would change that. Robinson is one of the Jaguars’ best players, and the fallout from him to reserve RB Dare Ogunbowale is steep. That means a Jacksonville upset victory is far more unlikely with James Robinson out of the lineup.

    Plus, resting him would mean their new foundational piece would take fewer unnecessary hits in an already-lost season.

    Who will be active for the Seahawks at RB in Week 16?

    RB injuries have plagued the Seattle Seahawks for yet another year.

    Fortunately, that unit received a boost last week when Rashaad Penny returned from the ACL injury he suffered last season. The Seahawks needed Penny to return. Their running back DeeJay Dallas suffered a serious injury in Week 15.

    During their narrow win over the Washington Football Team, Dallas went down with an ankle injury and would not return. The injury was serious enough to require an air cast on-field application, which is never a good sign. Dallas did not practice at all this week. The Seahawks have designated him as “out” for their Week 16 matchup.

    At this point, it would be fairly surprising if Dallas returned in any capacity for the Seahawks this season. Fortunately for Seattle, unlike Jacksonville with James Robinson, they have some reliable alternatives to Dallas.

    Seattle will be able to withstand if he doesn’t return, though, as they have a talented and deep backfield. Watch for the returning Penny, Carlos Hyde, and Chris Carson to fill the void if Dallas remains absent.

    Will Ezekiel Elliott be active in Week 16?

    Update, Sunday, December 27: Ezekiel Elliott is active in Week 16

    Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott missed last week’s game after being held out of practice all week. Head coach Mike McCarthy was hopeful he would return in time for the game, but he could not. Dallas held Elliott out with a calf injury. The injury could also force him to miss this week’s matchup as well, as he remains on the Week 16 fantasy RB injury report.

    This week, the Cowboys have listed Elliott as a limited participant for every day of practice. He also currently holds a “questionable” injury status, making it difficult to forecast whether he will play. On Sunday morning, Ian Rapoport reported that Elliott said he is “making the right steps to be ready for Sunday”, and that Elliott is expected to play.

    If Elliott doesn’t suit up on Sunday for the Cowboys against the Philadelphia Eagles, look for backup Tony Pollard to fill in. Pollard replaced him in the lineup and performed well, gaining 69 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.

    If he misses this week’s game, that will come as a major blow to fantasy owners everywhere. Many of whom have already been disappointed by Elliott underperforming this year.

    Fantasy RB Injury Update Week 16: AFC Players

    Damien Harris, New England Patriots (Ankle)

    The New England Patriots were without their best running back, Damien Harris, last week against the Miami Dolphins.

    Harris missed the Week 15 matchup entirely, as he was nursing an ankle injury. That forced James White and Sony Michel to take over in relief of Harris. White and Michel gained a combined 129 yards from scrimmage, with White’s production coming through the air and Michel’s coming on the ground.

    Harris has been a limited participant in each practice so far this week, though, and was listed as “questionable” for most of last week, so he should be able to return.

    Alongside Harris, the Patriots could also get back rookie running back J.J. Taylor. His participation in practice has been limited so far this week. Much like Harris, though, he’s nearing his return.

    Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs (Ankle)

    Late in the Kansas City Chiefs’ win over the New Orleans Saints, Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered an ankle injury.

    At the time, the injury looked fairly severe, Edwards-Helaire could not put any weight on his leg as he made his way off the field, and he wouldn’t return.

    Fortunately, Edwards-Helaire’s x-rays came back negative, though, so he could return at some point this season. However, that point won’t be this week, as he didn’t participate in practice all week. The Chiefs have already designated him as “out” for their game against Atlanta.

    Phillip Lindsay, Denver Broncos (Hip/Knee)

    The long NFL season has taken its toll on Broncos star running back Phillip Lindsay. Lindsay has been nursing knee and hip injuries for several weeks, and he is now on the Week 16 fantasy RB injury report.

    With the Broncos season already over, there was no need for them to continue to put Lindsay in harm’s way. Lindsay didn’t practice this week, and Denver designated him as “out” on Friday.

    With Lindsay out of the lineup, Melvin Gordon will see the majority of the carries. The Broncos should also incorporate Royce Freeman. According to Pro Football Network’s own Cody Roark, the Broncos will also elevate LeVante Bellamy, but that will likely be for a special teams role.

    Fantasy RB Updates: NFC Players

    Antonio Gibson, Washington Football Team (Toe)

    Update, Sunday, December 27: Antonio Gibson is active in Week 16

    The Washington Football Team saw Antonio Gibson return to practice in a limited capacity last week, but he could not play in their game against Seattle. Gibson missed that Week 15 matchup with a toe injury but could return this week.

    Ahead of Washington’s matchup with the Carolina Panthers, Gibson has been a limited participant in practice each day this week. The team designated him as “questionable” for Sunday’s game, so make sure you watch the pre-game inactive list. As of Sunday morning, both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport are reporting that Gibson is expected to be active.

    If Washington does rest Gibson another week, expect J.D. McKissic and Peyton Barber to fill in again.

    Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams (Ankle)

    Fantasy managers banking on Cam Akers in the fantasy playoffs will have to pivot this week.

    On Monday night, head coach Sean McVay told reporters that Akers has sustained a high ankle sprain and will miss the Week 16 matchup with Seattle as a result.

    Akers impressively battled through the injury to finish the game with the Jets, but he’ll likely need a few weeks to recover. Don’t be surprised if he misses the Rams’ Week 17 matchup too, as their eyes are set on the playoffs.

    With Akers out of the lineup for the next two weeks, Los Angeles will likely turn to Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown to take over. That’s not a bad spot to be in, as Henderson and Brown have been great in their own right this season.

    Want more fantasy football analysis and news?

    Be sure to follow us on Twitter: @PFN365 to stay up to date with all things around the NFL and the 2020 fantasy football season. Also, continue to visit Pro Football Network for NFL news and in-depth analysis while also seeing our fantasy football section for more coverage and up-to-date rankings.

    Related Articles

    Copyright © 2019-2024. Pro Football Network, Inc.

    All Rights Reserved.