Week 4 is in the books, and it was a tough one for injuries at the running back position. The week began with the the Packers’ Ty Montgomery and Jamaal Williams both going down in the Thursday night game, and it ended on Monday with Rob Kelley returning from a rib injury only to hurt his ankle. On Sunday, fantasy mainstays Melvin Gordon, Carlos Hyde, and Jay Ajayi all played through lingering injuries that may have hampered their production — and could continue to affect their performances going forward. But the most brutal news of the week was that rookie sensations Dalvin Cook and Chris Carson went down with what look like season-ending leg injuries, leaving fantasy owners with no other choice but to consider their less-talented veteran backups.
The Running Back Roundup is here to help you sort through the chaos and figure out which RBs stand to benefit the most from this series of unfortunate events. And we’ve got more than just injuries to recap — backfield timeshares across the league are continuing to evolve as we reach the quarter mark of the season. So let’s get to it.
Get free start/sit and waiver wire advice for your fantasy team 
Arizona Cardinals last week vs. SF, this week @PHI
It seems safe to say that the Cardinals are not going to run the ball effectively while David Johnson is out. Since DJ went down, Cardinals running backs have combined to carry the ball 64 times for just 178 yards, a putrid 2.78 YPC. Meanwhile, they’ve caught 25 balls for 239 yards. The main beneficiary has been Andre Ellington, who turned 14 touches into 104 yards on Sunday, almost all of it through the air. Chris Johnson continued to serve as the team’s “starter” and main rusher against San Francisco, but even he gained 31 of his 63 yards on catches out of the backfield. Ellington saw more snaps than Johnson, and that’s likely to continue as Arizona is forced to be a pass-first team regardless of game flow.
Ellington is beginning to make a case for RB2 consideration in PPR leagues, but neither he nor Johnson are anything more than flex options in standard formats. Ellington is the better bet to put up decent weekly yardage totals, but he’s probably even less likely than Johnson to find the endzone. Kerwynn Williams, meanwhile, is the odd man out unless Johnson falls out of favor with coach Bruce Arians.
Atlanta Falcons last week vs. BUF, this week BYE
Devonta Freeman didn’t have his best game on Sunday, but he still put up 78 yards and a TD on 20 touches. He remains a clear RB1. Tevin Coleman didn’t find the endzone, but he nonetheless had his best game of the season so far, turning 13 touches into 144 yards, proving once again that he is a better fantasy option than many teams’ starting running backs.
Baltimore Ravens last week vs. PIT, this week @OAK
The Ravens’ three-man committee continues to look different each week, but the picture isn’t getting any clearer. In Week 4, Alex Collins appeared to take control of the backfield, relegating Buck Allen to passing down work and Terrance West to the bench. But for the second time in three games, Collins fumbled, something that will cost him the starting job if it continues, according to coach John Harbaugh. Fumbles were also a problem for Collins in college, so the danger of him getting benched is real.
It is tough to trust any of Baltimore’s three backs at the moment, but the Ravens are capable of running the ball well enough to produce a viable fantasy back in both standard and PPR formats if one of them can seize the feature back role. For now, it looks like Collins will get one more chance to prove he’s the guy. Allen and West have both seen their number of carries steadily decline since Week 1, a particularly disappointing development for Allen, who looked like he was top dog in this backfield as recently as last week but now looks like he’s being used as a passing-game specialist. At this point, it’s unclear whether Allen or West will get a bigger share of the rushing load if Collins’ fumbling problems continue.
Buffalo Bills last week @ATL, this week @CIN
LeSean McCoy didn’t have a massive game on Sunday, but his owners likely won’t complain about 23 touches for 108 yards. The Bills are not a great offense, but it is still surprising that McCoy has yet to score a touchdown through four games. He is far and away the team’s most likely player to cross the goal line any given week, and remains a clear RB1. If you can acquire him at a discount based on the lack of TDs, do it.
Mike Tolbert received eight carries in Week 4, and has had at least that many in three of the Bills’ first four games. Tolbert is not a traditional handcuff because he would not likely see a major increase in usage if McCoy went down, and he obviously lacks the breakaway speed to turn a small number of touches into a huge game. But he is good for 30-40 rushing yards most weeks, which is worth remembering in very deep leagues.
Carolina Panthers last week @NE, this week @DET
Carolina got a juicy matchup with a collapsing Patriots defense on Sunday, but it ended up benefiting the Panthers’ receivers more than their running backs.
Jonathan Stewart was effective on the ground (4.9 YPC), but did not receive enough work or red zone opportunities to have a big fantasy day. Cam Newton — not Stewart — got the Panthers’ only rushing touchdown, something that has been known to happen in the past. Still, Stewart scored nine rushing touchdowns last year even as Newton scored five, so the touchdowns should come for Stewart eventually. Expect about 15 touches and a decent shot at a score each week, which keeps Stewart on the low-end RB2 radar in standard leagues and makes him a possible buy-low.
Christian McCaffrey had a somewhat disappointing game, as he wasn’t able to pile up big stats even though the game was a high-scoring, pass-first shootout. Coming off a 13-touch, 117 yard effort against New Orleans, McCaffrey compiled just 10 touches for 49 yards against New England. He remains firmly on the RB2 radar in PPR leagues, but his lack of rushing production and scoring opportunities means he’s best utilized as a flex option in standard leagues, at least for now.
Chicago Bears last week @GB, this week vs. MIN
Jordan Howard had little running room on Thursday against the Packers (2.9 YPC), but he did get 20 touches and found the endzone. Howard once again operated as the Bears’ early-down workhorse, with Tarik Cohen sprinkling in on passing downs and Benny Cunningham seeing some action in garbage time of the blowout loss. Howard may not be quite as involved or effective as he was last season, but he won’t be too far off from it, either. He remains on the RB1/2 borderline in standard leagues, while Cohen (10 touches for 48 yards) is an RB2 option in PPR but just a flex play in standard formats.
Cincinnati Bengals last week @CLE, this week vs. BUF
For the second straight week, Joe Mixon operated as the clear lead back for Cincinnati, but didn’t do much with the opportunity. His 17 carries for just 29 yards against the Browns is cringe-worthy, but expect Mixon to get a long look as the team’s starter anyway. He should continue to receive about 20 touches per week; if he runs effectively, he can easily be an RB2 in all formats. Even if he continues to struggle a bit, Mixon is still an enticing flex option as long as the Bengals remain committed to giving him the ball.
Gio Bernard caught a touchdown pass for the second consecutive week, this time a long one (61 yards). But Bernard has yet to receive more than eight touches in a game this season, which means you can’t count on him as anything more than a boom-or-bust flex option, even in PPR. Meanwhile, Jeremy Hill has failed to top 30 yards or score in all four games this season, so hopefully you can find a better player to take up his roster spot this week if you still own him.
Cleveland Browns last week vs. CIN, this week vs. NYJ
Isaiah Crowell’s awful fantasy season continued on Sunday, as he received a season-low eight touches for 27 yards. Crowell has now rushed for just 134 yards over four games — less than he ran for in the final game of last season alone (152). Crowell can no longer even be considered a low-end RB2 in standard formats until the Browns commit to the running game and begin to do it effectively.
Duke Johnson (13 touches for 60 yards) was once again the more useful Browns RB, even in standard leagues, and surprisingly put up a rushing touchdown for the second game in a row. It’s unlikely that he has overtaken Crowell for goal line duties, but the fact that the Browns are often chasing points in the second half of games keeps Johnson in the game, regardless of field position. He’s still best regarded as a flex option, but he’s becoming a fairly high-end one in PPR formats.
Dallas Cowboys last week vs. LAR, this week vs. GB
Ezekiel Elliott had a huge game (25 touches for 139 yards and two scores), but the intrigue in this backfield remains in the courtroom, not on the field. On Monday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments from the NFL and Elliott’s legal team over whether Elliott’s domestic violence suspension should begin immediately or remain on hold until a ruling on its merits occurs. The NFL expects the Circuit Court to issue a decision “soon,” although it is not known whether it will happen before or after Sunday’s game against Green Bay. Following that game, the Cowboys have their bye week.
Until Elliott’s playing status is resolved, Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden should both remain owned in most fantasy leagues. Morris broke off one of his two carries for 70 yards on Sunday, while McFadden was again inactive. Morris looks to have a leg up for the bulk of the carries if Elliott serves his suspension, but it is also possible the Cowboys are simply saving McFadden for just such a circumstance.
Denver Broncos last week vs. OAK, this week BYE
As I explained in this space last week, C.J. Anderson is still the workhorse in Denver’s backfield despite seeing one fewer carry than Jamaal Charles in Week 3. That became abundantly clear in Week 4, as Anderson out-touched Charles 24-to-6. Both players were very effective when given the chance, as has been the case throughout the Broncos’ first four games.
The Broncos are entering their bye week, so it’s possible they begin to give Charles more work after the off week. Coach Vance Joseph certainly seems impressed with what he’s seeing from Charles so far, and expects big things from him going forward. That said, Anderson should be considered a good bet for 20-25 weekly touches until we see otherwise, placing him squarely on the low-end RB1 radar. Charles should not be dropped during the bye week if at all possible, because he is looking explosive enough to serve as a viable flex option and has significant upside as both a handcuff and potentially more even committee partner to Anderson.
Detroit Lions last week @MIN, this week vs. CAR
Week 4 was a very encouraging one for Ameer Abdullah owners. Abdullah received 20 carries for the first time in his career, and rushed for a career-best 94 yards. He also successfully converted a goal line carry for his first touchdown of the season, something that could make a huge difference for his fantasy value if it continues. Abdullah is already a serviceable fantasy play in standard leagues, but if he can consistently see 20 carries and goal line work, he will solidify his standing as a rock solid RB2.
Theo Riddick remains a complete non-factor in the running game, but his fantasy value took an even greater blow in Week 4, as he saw just two passing game targets. Riddick is no longer a key component of the Lions’ offense and he has yet to top 40 yards in a game this season, making him a drop candidate even in PPR leagues. Abdullah’s goal line involvement also pushes potential TD vultures Zach Zenner and Dwayne Washington even further away from fantasy relevance.
Green Bay Packers last week vs. CHI, this week @DAL
It was fair to wonder if the Packers were overworking Ty Montgomery through the season’s first three games, as the converted wide receiver had barely left the field despite the team drafting three running backs last spring. Montgomery did finally leave the field on Thursday night, but not to get rest — he suffered an injury that we later found out was multiple broken ribs.
Rookie backup Jamaal Williams failed to do much with the handful of touches he received before succumbing to an injury of his own — a sprained knee that could cause him to miss a week or so. Third-string rookie Aaron Jones was then given his chance and looked more effective than Williams, rushing 13 times for 49 yards and a touchdown. Jones likely passed Williams on the depth chart even if Williams returns in short order.
The reports on Montgomery’s rib injury have varied wildly over the last few days, but he has to be considered questionable at best for Week 5, considering the concern that he could puncture internal organs by playing through the injury. Jones earned praise from both coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and his Week 4 performance could give the Packers an excuse to sit Montgomery until he’s healthy. If Jones takes advantage of the opportunity in Week 5, he could also convince the Packers to stop working Montgomery so hard when he returns, especially given that Montgomery has been more effective as a receiver than runner.
Jones is a bit of a forgotten man in a busy week for the waiver wire, but it is possible he becomes more than just a one-week stopgap. He should be owned everywhere while we see how this situation plays out. Montgomery will still have RB2 appeal when he returns to the field, but his owners should not be shocked if his role is scaled back some the rest of the season.
Houston Texans last week vs. TEN, this week vs. KC
It was a great week for the Texans, who put up 57 points on the Titans — and it was a particularly great week for Lamar Miller. Miller, whose yardage totals had gradually slipped from 96 to 87 to 63 through the first three games, exploded for 131 yards and two touchdowns on 23 touches in Week 4. Miller wasn’t really any more effective on a per-carry basis (3.9 YPC), but he received a season-high in both carries and targets, solidifying his RB2 standing for the time being.
D’Onta Foreman did not have a great game by comparison (13 carries for 45 yards), but he did receive 10+ touches for the third consecutive week. Foreman remains a great high-upside bench stash with a bit of flex appeal for the bye weeks.
Indianapolis Colts last week @SEA, this week vs. SF
Frank Gore had a typical day at the office on Sunday, and has now run for between 40 and 60 yards in all four games this season. He didn’t score for the first time since Week 1, but did add some significant receiving yardage (34 yards) for the first time this year. Gore remains a touchdown-dependent RB3 with low-end RB2 potential when Andrew Luck returns, which should happen sometime between Week 6 and Week 8.
Robert Turbin vultured his first touchdown of the season, after vulturing seven of them last season. His presence slightly harms Gore’s fantasy value, but Turbin doesn’t have standalone value except as a desperate roll of the dice.
Jacksonville Jaguars last week @NYJ, this week @PIT
Leonard Fournette had his best performance since Week 1 on Sunday, piling up 28 touches for 145 yards. Fournette was particularly effective as a receiver out of the backfield, grabbing four catches for 59 yards and a touchdown. He’s now scored a touchdown in all four games and is squarely on the RB1 map at this point.
Chris Ivory contributed 10 touches for 44 yards, which closely resembles his typical production so far this season. Ivory is a smart stash as a high-upside handcuff and passable flex option for the bye week crunch.
Kansas City Chiefs last week vs. WAS, this week @HOU
Kareem Hunt didn’t single-handedly carry fantasy teams to victory in Week 4, but his 25 touches for 121 yards is nothing to sneeze at. Consider that a down week for the rookie RB1 stud. Charcandrick West caught five balls for 33 yards against the Redskins, but he’s strictly a handcuff, albeit a fairly high-upside one playing in an Andy Reid offense.
Los Angeles Rams last week @DAL, this week vs. SEA
Todd Gurley had yet another absolutely massive game on Sunday, compiling 30 touches for 215 yards and a score. The Rams’ offense is light years better than anyone expected, and it is tough to think of five players I would rather own in fantasy football right now than Gurley, even though his upcoming schedule is quite tough. Even if he begins to slow down a bit, he has plenty of wiggle room to remain an RB1.
Malcolm Brown returned in Week 4 and caught a 14-yard pass. He’s a decent handcuff for Gurley owners.
Los Angeles Chargers last week vs. PHI, this week @NYG
Melvin Gordon limped into Week 4 with a knee injury, and it’s quite possible it affected his performance, as he received 11 touches for just 29 yards. Gordon wasn’t known for his rushing prowess to begin with (his value is largely predicated on touchdowns and receiving yardage), so fantasy owners will have to hope the knee injury doesn’t linger and make things worse. Four games into the 2017 season, Gordon has yet to top 100 combined rushing/receiving yards, something he did with regularity last season. He’s still an RB1 for now, but a couple more down performances could drop him into RB2 territory.
Gordon’s knee issues make his backups worth monitoring and perhaps adding in deep leagues. Branden Oliver is second on the depth chart, but it was undrafted rookie Austin Ekeler who busted out a 35-yard touchdown run against Philadelphia. It’s tough to say whether Oliver or Ekeler is the appropriate handcuff for Gordon, which makes both difficult to own right now, but the situation bears watching.
Miami Dolphins last week vs. NO, this week vs. TEN
Jay Ajayi is another top running back who played through a knee injury in Week 4, and even a juicy matchup against the Saints in his hometown of London couldn’t do the trick for Ajayi’s fantasy owners. Ajayi produced just 13 touches for 54 yards, although his struggles may have had more to do with the Dolphins’ offensive ineptitude than with his knee. The good news for Ajayi is that he remains Miami’s clear every-down bell cow, which keeps him on the RB1 radar.
Damien Williams and Kenyan Drake both continue to be non-factors in the Miami offense, and neither is a rosterable handcuff to Ajayi.
Minnesota Vikings last week vs. DET, this week @CHI
Dalvin Cook was well on his way to another big fantasy day on Sunday when he tore his ACL. He’ll miss the rest of the season, dealing a huge blow to the Vikings and his fantasy owners. Hopefully he makes a full recovery and regains his rightful place as a top-tier NFL back in 2018.
Cook’s injury creates an immediate opportunity for Latavius Murray, who had nine touches for 29 yards after Cook left Sunday’s game. Murray is nowhere near the talent that Cook is, but he’s proven to be a solid fantasy performer in the past and the Vikings are running the ball well this year. Jerick McKinnon should also take on an increased role with Cook out, but the Vikings wouldn’t have gone out and added Cook and Murray over the offseason if they believed McKinnon was a capable workhorse. As of now, it appears as though Murray will be the early-down grinder and goal line back, while McKinnon will handle third-down work. Both are worth adding while we see how the situations plays out, but Murray is the clearly preferable add, particularly in non-PPR formats. Murray has RB2 potential if everything goes right and will be a solid flex option right off the bat.
New England Patriots last week vs. CAR, this week @TB
For the second straight week, the Patriots scored a lot of points without either of their top-two RBs having a big fantasy game. Mike Gillislee (12 carries for 49 yards) remains the most touchdown-dependent RB2 in the league. He will have many games like this, but also more games where he crosses the goal line multiple times. James White didn’t have a huge game, either, but he still reassured his fantasy owners by catching 10 passes for 47 yards. White is unlikely to score or put up large rushing totals, but his major passing game role keeps him on the RB2 radar in PPR leagues and a reasonable flex option in standard formats.
The best fantasy line in Week 4 actually belonged to Dion Lewis, who found the end zone on one of his five touches. Lewis appears to be playing the change-of-pace role originally envisioned for Rex Burkhead, so it will be interesting to see whether he keeps that role when Burkhead returns from his rib injury, which could happen as soon as this week. It could also provide some clue as to whether Lewis or Burkhead would be the primary beneficiary if Gillislee or White got hurt.
New Orleans Saints last week @MIA, this week BYE
Mark Ingram had another quiet week in Week 4, posting 18 touches for just 62 yards. He also has yet to score a touchdown this season. Still, the fact Ingram saw 15+ touches for a second straight game is promising, and the touchdowns should come eventually. He remains an interesting buy-low target with RB2 potential.
Alvin Kamara, meanwhile, had his biggest game to date. He ran the ball just five times for 25 yards, but added 10 catches for 71 yards and a score. Kamara’s 15 touches were six more than he received in Weeks 2 and 3 combined, so fantasy owners should be careful not to assume this is the new normal. But Kamara is clearly an electrifying talent in an explosive offense, so he’s graduated to must-own status as a high-upside bench stash with boom-or-bust flex appeal.
Adrian Peterson’s epic fantasy decline continued in Week 4, as he had just four carries for four yards. He simply is not playable in any fantasy format barring an injury to Ingram.
New York Giants last week @TB, this week vs. LAC
With Orleans Darkwa out with a back injury, Paul Perkins was on his was to another putrid performance as the Giants’ lead back when he departed the game due to bruised ribs. Enter fourth-round rookie Wayne Gallman, who breathed a bit of life into the Giants’ backfield with 13 touches for 50 yards. Hardly earth-shattering stuff, but better than what the G-Men were getting from Perkins.
Gallman should get a shot to be the starter going forward, although it’s possible that Darkwa challenges him for that role once he returns. It’s also far from certain that either will be worth using in fantasy, even as a flex option. The Giants rank 30th in the NFL in rushing, and have yet to give any of their running backs more than the 11 carries Gallman received on Sunday.
That said, Gallman should be owned in all leagues and Darkwa is a decent speculative pickup as well, while Perkins can be dropped. Third down back Shane Vereen had another quiet game (six touches for 25 yards), and is only a low-end flex option in PPR leagues.
New York Jets last week vs. JAX, this week @CLE
With Matt Forte out due to turf toe, Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire both broke off long touchdown runs on the way to big fantasy days against a good Jacksonville defense. Powell’s 75-yard TD run was a bit of a fluke, as the Jaguars’ defensive players thought he was down by contact, but Powell finished with 25 touches for 190 yards, so he clearly impressed beyond that one play. McGuire showed impressive burst on a 39-yard TD run of his own, and ended up with 12 touches for 131 yards.
Forte is considered week-to-week, and you would imagine the Jets will take their time bringing him back after this performance from Powell and McGuire. New York has every reason to see if either Powell or McGuire are capable of being a featured back for years to come. For now, Powell is the clear favorite for touches, but it will be interesting to see whether McGuire earned a bigger share of the pie with his effort. Consider Powell an RB2 and McGuire a high-upside stash and reasonable flex option while we see what happens over the next few weeks. Forte is a logical drop candidate unless we hear he’s back and likely to receive a significant workload.
Oakland Raiders last week @DEN, this week vs. BAL
It isn’t shocking that Marshawn Lynch (nine carries for 12 yards) struggled against a ferocious Broncos defense, but Lynch has now failed to top 50 yards from scrimmage in three straight games. It’s fair to question whether he is a shell of his former self. To make matters worse, a big part of Lynch’s fantasy appeal going into the season was the ample scoring chances likely to be created by the Raiders’ high-powered offense, but now QB Derek Carr is set to miss 2-6 weeks with a transverse process fracture in his back. With E.J. Manuel under center, Lynch is more of an RB3/flex option than an RB2.
Carr’s injury also makes Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington less interesting stashes for the time being. Richard and Washington continue to share the backup job behind Lynch.
Philadelphia Eagles last week @LAC, this week vs. ARZ
Week 4 was a big one for LeGarrette Blount, who rumbled for 136 yards on 16 carries and even added a 20-yard catch. But it was also a nice day for Wendell Smallwood, who turned 14 touches into 79 yards and successfully converted a goal line opportunity. Rookie Corey Clement even got in on the action, getting 10 carries for 30 yards.
The Eagles obviously won’t be providing 36 carries for their RBs most weeks, but the touch distribution shapes up well for Smallwood owners. He appears to have taken Darren Sproles passing down role, while also earning some between-the-tackles work and even goal line opportunities. Blount will have some big games when the Eagles are playing with a lead, but Smallwood is less dependent on game script and could easily be the more valuable fantasy back, even in standard leagues. Smallwood and Blount are both solid flex options, but Smallwood is the one with the more stable role and better shot at achieving RB2 value. Clement may get squeezed out in games where the Eagles run less, but his role will be worth watching as well.
Pittsburgh Steelers last week @BAL, this week vs. JAX
Le’Veon Bell got off to a bit of a slow start after holding out for the entire preseason, but on Sunday he reminded everyone why he was a consensus top-two pick in fantasy drafts this year, piling up 39 touches for 186 yards and two scores. It was only a matter of time.
James Conner didn’t do much outside of a 23-yard run, but he out-carried Terrell Watson 4-to-1 and further established himself as a logical handcuff for Bell owners.
San Francisco 49ers last week @ARZ, this week @IND
Carlos Hyde was a game-time decision due to what was initially described as a hip ailment and later identified by coach Kyle Shanahan as an oblique injury. Whatever it was, Hyde ultimately played through it, gathering 21 touches for 95 yards.
With Hyde hurting, undrafted rookie Matt Breida played an expanded role, getting a career-high 10 touches but for just 20 yards. Breida likely won’t see double digits touches every week, but Hyde’s injury history makes him one of the best handcuffs in fantasy football.
Seattle Seahawks last week vs. IND, this week @LAR
Chris Carson wasn’t having a huge game on Sunday night, but he was running hard and further cementing his status as the running back to own in Seattle. But then, with the game already in hand, Carson had his leg rolled up on awkwardly, leading to a fracture that will almost certainly end his season.
It’s a brutal blow for Carson, the Seahawks, and fantasy owners, and leaves nothing but uncertainty behind in the Seattle backfield. With Thomas Rawls a healthy scratch, Eddie Lacy took on an expanded role following Carson’s injury, finishing with 11 carries for 52 yards. Meanwhile, second year man J.D. McKissic was active for the first time this season, exploding for a 30-yard TD run and a 27-yard TD catch as C.J. Prosise sat out with an ankle injury.
Both Rawls and Prosise are expected back next week. Following the game, coach Pete Carroll made remarks that have been interpreted by some reporters as a sign that Rawls will be given the first chance to be the lead back. However, it’s also possible that Carroll simply meant that Rawls will no longer be inactive with Carson gone and will now get back into the mix and compete for carries.
While Carson was making a play for an every-down bell cow role, none of the Seahawks’ remaining backs are likely to do that. The most likely scenario is that Lacy and Rawls will duke it out for early-down and goal line work, while Prosise and McKissic will compete for third down/passing game work. If Lacy or Rawls can establish themselves as the clear lead back, he’ll have RB2 upside in standard leagues, while either Prosise or McKissic could become a viable flex play in PPR.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week vs. NYG, this week vs. NE
There is yet another backfield in flux in Tampa Bay, where Doug Martin is set to return from suspension with the Buccaneers on a short week.
Last week, coach Dirk Koetter played coy when asked about Martin’s status, and on Monday Martin admitted he’s “not sure” how many snaps he’ll play on Thursday against New England. Jacquizz Rodgers was solid but not spectacular in Martin’s absence. Rodgers had his best performance of the season on Sunday, receiving 18 touches for 108 yards. Third down back Charles Sim touched the ball just twice on Sunday, and only three times in Week 3.
Unless we learn more before Thursday, owners of Martin and/or Rodgers are left in a tough spot for Week 5. It’s possible Martin immediately assumes lead back duties, but it’s just as likely — if not more so — that Rodgers remains significantly involved, at least for one more week. That’s why I’m considering starting both of them in a league where I just lost Carson and have a couple other players on bye.
Longer-term, the lead back in Tampa will most likely have significant value, as long as it doesn’t devolve into an even timeshare. That lead back will probably be Martin, who has two RB1-caliber seasons on his resume, alongside three injury-plagued, disappointing seasons. Split the difference and hope for RB2 production from Martin if/when he regains the feature back role. Rodgers is worth keeping around in most leagues until this situation resolves itself, and even then he would be a useful handcuff for Martin owners. Sims was a non-factor even with Martin out, and does not need to be owned, even in PPR leagues.
Tennessee Titans last week @HOU, this week @MIA
DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry both had forgettable fantasy performances in Week 4, but that kind of thing happens when you’re team gets blown out by 43 points. If fantasy owners can take anything away from the game, it’s that Murray had nine touches compared to six for Henry. Both backs can expect to see the ball more than that going forward, but the 3-to-2 ratio between them could be a sign of things to come.
The Titans will have better days, but there’s no escaping the fact that Murray and Henry have each only had one good fantasy performance so far this season. As the current favorite for carries, Murray should still be in the RB2 conversation, while Henry is more of a high-upside flex play at the moment. But both backs still have RB1 potential if something happens to the other one (and the Titans get their running game going).
Washington Redskins last week @KC, this week BYE
“No. 1 lead dog” Rob Kelley returned from a rib injury on Monday night, but carried the ball just seven times for 23 yards before leaving the game with an ankle injury. Kelley is considered day-to-day and now has the bye week to get healthy for Week 6.
Following Kelley’s departure, Samaje Perine assumed Kelley’s early-down role, carrying the ball six times for 27 yards. But Perine booted a pitch from QB Kirk Cousins out of bounds, narrowly avoiding disaster, and wasn’t heard from again. It is unclear whether Perine is in the doghouse or was simply replaced by Chris Thompson because the Redskins were in their two minute offense late in the game, but either way Perine appears buried on the depth chart if Kelley’s health cooperates. With Perine providing little competition, Kelley has a shot to return low-end RB2 value in the second half of the season.
Thompson (seven touches for 27 yards) had a quiet game after scoring long TDs in each of the previous two games, and will be a boom-or-bust flex option as long as he continues to see so few touches.
Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | SoundCloud | Google Play | TuneIn | RSS
Andrew Seifter is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Andrew, check out his archive and follow him @andrew_seifter.
