A full Sunday of NFL action does not typically go by without a few new names being added to the injury report. Week 1 of 2023 is no different with several new injuries taking place on Sunday. Who are the players that suffered a setback in Week 1? What is the latest news on their status as fantasy football managers head into Week 2? Let’s dive in and take an early look at the running backs we will need to monitor on this week’s injury reports.
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Injury Updates for Top Fantasy Football RBs
Here is the latest news on fantasy-relevant running backs at the start of Week 2.
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Very unfortunate news for the Baltimore Ravens and J.K. Dobbins fantasy managers this weekend. The fourth-year running back suffered a torn Achilles tendon on Sunday in the Ravens’ win over the Houston Texans.
An MRI today confirmed that Ravens’ RB J.K. Dobbins tore his Achilles, just as the team believed he did, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2023
Dobbins, who missed nine games a season ago, will now miss the entirety of the 2023 season. Even the most optimistic of timelines would only have Dobbins returning in six months, which falls after the Super Bowl this year.
The Ravens and fantasy managers will have to turn their attention to Gus Edwards and Justice Hill as of right now. Baltimore also signed free agent running back Melvin Gordon in late July, who could see opportunities with the team moving forward.
Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Austin Ekeler started off 2023 exactly how he finished 2022: as one of the top scoring backs in fantasy football. With 164 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown, Ekeler racked up the points for his fantasy managers.
But late Monday, word broke that Ekeler is dealing with an ankle injury from a hit he took in the Los Angeles Chargers’ loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
As Adam Schefter reported, head coach Brandon Staley said Ekeler is dealing with an ankle injury and that his status for Sunday is unknown at this time. The Chargers travel to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans this coming weekend.
We will have to monitor the new about Ekeler as the week progresses, but this is rough news for the Chargers and Ekeler’s fantasy managers for Week 2 of the season. It is more than likely Joshua Kelley would be the starting back for LA in the event Ekeler is unable to go.
Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers
Another injury update, another top-three running back from Week 1. After a fantastic start to his season, Aaron Jones left the Green Bay Packers’ Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears with a hamstring injury. Though Jones was officially listed on Sunday as questionable to return, he did not see the field after he left.
Jones remaining out may have been due to the severity of his injury, but it could also have been due the game already being in hand for Green Bay. We will have to wait to find out more when Jones’ status for practices shows up this week. But the Packers certainly would love Jones to be on the field this Sunday when the team visits the Atlanta Falcons.
Jones finished the game with 127 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns, even though he was only in on 47% of the Packers’ offensive snaps.
Evan Hull, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Rookie running back Evan Hull was given an opportunity in Week 1 to make an impact in his first professional game, as the Indianapolis Colts were short-staffed with Jonathan Taylor out. However, Hull injured his knee during the contest and was unable to return to action.
On Monday, head coach Shane Steichen updated the rookie’s status and it sounds like Hull may not be available for Week 2.
How much time Hull could miss is not yet known, but I wouldn’t expect him to be suited up on Sunday when the Colts visit the division rival Houston Texans. The team is now struggling with depth in the running back room with Taylor and Hull both injured. It is possible they could look to free agency to bring in extra help.
Kendre Miller, RB, New Orleans Saints
Rookie running back Kendre Miller was unable to suit up for the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in their opening win against the Tennessee Titans. Miller had been battling a hamstring injury all week leading up to him being inactive in Week 1.
Miller’s status for Week 2 is not yet known, but he will continue to mend from the hamstring injury until then. The Saints travel to Carolina to face the Panthers on Monday, so Miller will have one extra day to recoup before the next game.
Of course, this also means fantasy managers will need to plan ahead on Sunday with a replacement in their lineup if Miller is still questionable entering Week 2.
De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
De’Von Achane was another rookie running back unable to suit up Week 1. The Miami Dolphins were able to pull out a win in Los Angeles without his services, but will still hope for his return next week.
Achane has been dealing with a shoulder injury he suffered in the Dolphins second preseason game back in August. There was optimism that the rookie could play in Week 1, so there is a strong chance he is able to make his debut in Week 2. As long as Achane continues to heal and not have any setbacks, he may very well have his NFL debut on Sunday night this week against the New England Patriots.