A large percentage of the NFL’s starting running backs are banged up forcing fantasy managers to dig deep to find viable solutions on the waiver wire. Here’s a look at the players who are likely to miss this weekend’s games and who you should target as a replacement.
Cowboys
Wounded: Felix Jones- Dealing with a high ankle sprain, Jones is considered day-to-day. However, there is uncertainty with his role once he does return because of the remarkable play of his backup DeMarco Murray.
Replacement: DeMarco Murray- In his first taste of regular action, Murray established a Cowboys record with 253 rushing yards. He has likely earned the starting gig for the rest of the season, as starter Felix Jones never quiet met expectations in his two years in the lead role.
Colts
Wounded: Joseph Addai- Though Addai was active last weekend, he would only have returned to the field under an emergency situation. Now that his hamstring is fully healed, Addai is expected to share the load with rookie Delone Carter this weekend.
Replacement: Delone Carter- The rookie running back has played well in an expanded role this season. He has earned a promotion of Donald Brown and should still get 10 touches each week, even with Addai healthy. Regardless, three is a crowd, which is a red flag in fantasy football.
Browns
Wounded: Peyton Hillis, Montario Hardesty- It’s been an awful year for Peyton Hillis. The Madden cover boy has missed a game with strep throat and more recently has been sidelined with a pulled hamstring. He is considered day-to-day and promises to return this weekend, however, there are questions concerning his role and effectiveness. Montario Hardesty played well in Hillis’ absence, but he tore a calf muscle and may not return until December.
Replacement: Chris Ogbonnaya- The third-string running back is known for his fine catching ability, but is unproven when it comes to the rushing game. We will learn more this weekend.
Redskins
Wounded: Tim Hightower- Finally provided an opportunity to be the lead back, Hightower was strong in the early going, but then he tore his ACL putting his season to an end.
Replacement: Ryan Torain, Roy Helu- Torain has had some fine moments in the past, but his bugaboo has been an inability to stay healthy. He has also struggled lately, perhaps missing on a key opportunity. The rookie Roy Helu has mastered the passing game, but has yet to get a chance to be an every down back. That could come as soon as this weekend if Torain fails to carry the load. This is likely a rushing attack you want to watch from a distance.
Buccaneers
Wounded: LeGarrette Blount, Earnest Graham- After missing a few games due to a sprained MCL, Blount returned to practice this weekend and should regain his role as the lead offensive weapon on the Bucs. Fantasy managers should not think twice, he is a player to start this weekend. On the other hand, his original replacement Earnest Graham went down with an Achilles injury and is likely done for the season. This only increases Blount’s value on the offense.
Replacement: Kregg Lumpkin- This seldom used running back is very much an emergency option. Lumpkin couldn’t muster as many as two yards per carry last week, which is unacceptable in the NFL. The Bucs will need Blount to stay healthy to remain competitive.
Chiefs
Wounded: Jamaal Charles- Fresh off an MVP caliber season, Jamaal Charles was a first round pick in just about every fantasy league. He showed some promise for the first week and a half averaging nearly seven yards per rushing attempt. However, his season came to a sudden end when a hamstring injury curtailed his season. At 25-years-old, Charles is young enough to recover, but it will have to wait until 2012 to return to the field.
Replacement: Jackie Battle- The backups for the Chiefs seemed to be veteran Thomas Jones and the dynamic Dexter McCluster. However, both tailbacks failed to take advantage of the opportunity and the end result has been the sudden success of Jackie Battle. At 6’2, 238 lbs., Battle is a big guy, but he has been dependable with the rock in his hands. He has reached at least 70 rushing yards in each of his last three games, and came up with a crucial touchdown to hold off the Chargers last week. Battle is a feel-good story and should be an every week start in fantasy football leagues.
Titans
Wounded: Chris Johnson- Whether he isn’t 100% or the hold out just hurt his timing, Chris Johnson has not been the same this season. The Titans superstar is averaging just 2.8 yards per carry, which is exactly half of his efficiency from his banner 2009 season. His poor play has resulted in a decrease in carries, and his numbers may take yet another hit this weekend.
Replacement: Javon Ringer- This isn’t a story about how well Javon Ringer is playing, but more about how poorly Johnson has been. Regardless, the end result is that Ringer will have a chance to gain more carries than Johnson this weekend if he offers better production for a third week in a row. This is a backfield to avoid in the short-term.
Broncos
Wounded: Willis McGahee- The veteran tailback thrived early this season before a broken hand sent him to the bench. McGahee is eager to return to the field this weekend against the Raiders, but his coaching staff first has to sign off on the idea.
Replacement: Knowshon Moreno- Normally one hurt by injuries, Moreno is actually the beneficiary of injuries this time around as the loss of McGahee allowed him to start last weekend. Moreno picked up a season-high 69 rushing yards and is bound to get an increased total again this weekend if McGahee can’t put both hands on the ball.
Raiders
Wounded: Darren McFadden- The leading NFL rusher before an injury set in, Darren McFadden was having a career season before he managed just four yards on two carries this past weekend. McFadden suffered a foot injury and he is still in a walking boot, which puts his likelihood of playing this weekend very much in doubt.
Replacement: Michael Bush- One of the few bright spots for the Raiders in the blowout loss to the Chiefs, Michael Bush racked up 99 yards on just 17 carries. If provided with an opportunity to get 25 touches, Bush should be a sure thing for 100 yards of offense with a likely score.
Giants
Wounded: Ahmad Bradshaw- Despite the conflicting reports, our sources tell us that Ahmad Bradshaw will miss this weekend’s game against the Patriots. In the midst of an up-and-down season, it is possible that Bradshaw will be shut down for a long duration with a stress fracture in his foot.
Replacement: Brandon Jacobs, DJ Ware- Though Brandon Jacobs is fed up with his contract, he will have a chance to pull his weight on the field this weekend in the absence of Bradshaw. Jacobs is averaging a disappointing three yards per carry, but that could just be a result of a lack of use. The same can be said about DJ Ware, an undrafted running back out of Georgia who will be promoted to third down duties this weekend. Unless he makes some big things happen, he will have very limited fantasy value.
Chargers
Wounded: Ryan Mathews- After an injury-prone rookie season, Ryan Mathews seemed to turn the corner with a solid 4.6 yards per carry and 49 receiving yards per game. Unfortunately, the good times will not last a full season as Mathews is injured with a groin injury, which will either limit his role this weekend or keep him off the field altogether.
Replacement: Mike Tolbert, Curtis Brinkley- Mike Tolbert is having another fine season, currently leading his team with 28 receptions despite missing a game to injury. Expect a heavy dose of carries for Tolbert this weekend as Mathews will likely sit out. Also, Curtis Brinkley had a nice performance last weekend and will once again get some touches despite enduring a concussion last week.
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