The fantasy football season is nearing its end, as we are now on to Week 17 of the NFL season. For several fantasy leagues, that means it’s championship weekend.
Let’s take a look at the injury status of some running backs as Rhamondre Stevenson, Brian Robinson Jr., and Isiah Pacheco are all battling injuries at a pivotal moment.
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Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
Stevenson has missed a lot of time recently, including his third consecutive game against the Denver Broncos on Christmas Eve. He has a high ankle sprain and hasn’t practiced since Dec. 3.
The fact Stevenson hasn’t practiced in over three weeks tells us that this is something that is truly bothering him, which doesn’t bode well for managers not fortunate enough to add backup Ezekiel Elliott.
Now, maybe if the New England Patriots were in playoff contention, then he would have pushed it back a little faster. That hasn’t been the case, and right now, it’s hard to imagine Stevenson playing next week as well.
Elliott has been very good for the Patriots recently, and it just doesn’t make sense for New England to play an injured Stevenson when Elliott has filled in nicely and the playoffs are long gone.
Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders
Robinson missed his second consecutive game on Sunday against the New York Jets. He’s dealing with a hamstring injury, which he injured against the Miami Dolphins in Week 13. He then missed the Los Angeles Rams game before Week 16’s absence.
The Washington Commanders will have to decide whether or not it’s worth it to have Robinson in their lineup. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. filled in and is playing some solid football. He had 58 yards and two touchdowns but was seen in a boot after the game against the Jets.
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Right now, both backs are worth keeping an eye on. With Robinson, though, it doesn’t appear that he’s close to being back.
Add in the fact the Commanders are going to be playing an embarrassed San Francisco 49ers squad, Washington may not see Robinson as a needle-mover with such a talent discrepancy underlining the matchup.
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs
Pacheco had missed the two previous games before coming back against the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Day. That return was short-lived, however, as he was injured during the loss.
Pacheco was running the ball when his helmet popped off as he was being tackled. Then, a Chiefs teammate accidentally hit him in the back of the head, and he was forced to leave and be evaluated for a possible concussion. Pacheco was tested and later ruled out with a concussion.
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The Chiefs are already short at the RB position, as Jerick McKinnon was put on injured reserve this past week.
It’s still too early to know if Pacheco is going to be able to come back, but the fact they played on Monday is going to make it tougher for him. With the concussion, he’s going to have to clear protocol, which may be too quick of a turnaround.
Kansas City is struggling right now, but it appears that the Chiefs will still win the AFC West and host a first-round playoff game. They’re going to need Pacheco healthy if they want to make a run in the playoffs, so holding him out for the Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals may be the right move.
Stay tuned to Pro Football Network for injury updates on all players as we near Championship Week in fantasy football.
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