Early in the Jaguars’ loss to the Jets, Jacksonville lost their lead rusher. I really hate injuries, especially when they happen to great stories like a former UDFA that carved out a starting role. What is the latest update on James Robinson’s injury status, and what is the fantasy football impact of Robinson’s absence?
James Robinson injury update
Unfortunately, we know exactly what happened to Robinson. In the first quarter, he tore his Achilles. The good news is Achilles’ injuries aren’t what they used to be. We’ve seen D’Onta Foreman successfully return and play reasonably well. In just a couple of weeks, Cam Akers will take the field less than six months removed from tearing his Achilles.
Robinson should be able to return fully healthy for the 2022 season. While that’s positive, the negative is the Jaguars and fantasy managers will be without Robinson for the final week of the fantasy season.
Who is the next man up following Robinson’s injury?
With Robinson done for the season and Carlos Hyde already on the injured reserve, the Jaguars’ RB2 entering Week 16 was Dare Ogunbowale. After Robinson went down, Ogunbowale played every snap. While that was likely a product of the in-game injury, Ogunbowale is going to be the lead back in Week 17.
Ogunbowale had 17 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown while adding 2 receptions for 15 yards. That type of usage makes any running back fantasy-viable. Now, to be fair, the Jaguars aren’t going to face the Jets’ league-worst run defense every week. Nevertheless, Ogunbowale would be in line for heavy usage, which is worth something against the Patriots’ average run defense.
Is there anyone else in the Jaguars’ backfield of note?
Last week, the Jaguars brought back Ryquell Armstead as roster depth. Armstead was on the team in 2019 before COVID-19 cost him the entire 2020 season.
In 2019, Armstead operated as the primary back in Week 17. He carried the ball 10 times for 33 yards and caught 5 of 9 targets for 2 yards and a touchdown. Armstead is a replacement-level talent capable of producing in a pinch.
The Jaguars did not activate Armstead against the Jets. However, he will have to be active in Week 17 against the Patriots as someone will need to back up Ogunbowale.
Armstead should see the field as the Jaguars are not going to make Ogunbowale a 90% snap share player. Regardless, Armstead is not on the fantasy radar and can be left on the waiver wire.