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Below you will find our fantasy football injuries report for running backs in Week 1, as of September 10th. The injury statuses for various NFL running backs are up in the air for Week 1 including Christian McCaffrey, Chase Edmonds, Elijah Mitchell, J.K. Dobbins, and more.
The fantasy football season may be just getting underway, but every decision, transaction, and lineup change matters. These are critical running back injuries to keep track of throughout the week.
Let's look at the updates for some running backs and see whether they may play in Week 1.
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Christian McCaffrey Injury Update
McCaffrey (shin) popped up on the injury report this past Thursday, but he logged a full practice session on Friday and has been cleared to play in Week 1. As it turns out, McCaffrey took a cleat to the shin in practice, so there was never much doubt about his availability. For obvious reasons, McCaffrey should be started in 100 percent of fantasy football leagues.
Chase Edmonds Injury Update
Edmonds (groin) logged another full practice session on Friday and has been cleared to play against the Patriots in Week 1. He was limited on Wednesday but has only made positive progress since then. He ranks as a low-end RB2 heading into the season opener.
Elijah Mitchell Injury Update
Mitchell (hamstring) was not listed on the 49ers' initial injury report this past Wednesday and has remained a full participant in practice since then. As a result, he will be active for Week 1. Mitchell ranks as a low-end RB2 in a favorable matchup against the Bears.
J.K. Dobbins Injury Update
UPDATE 9/11: Dobbins is not expected to play in Week 1.
Dobbins (knee) was limited in practice all week long and is now listed as questionable heading into Week 1. The third-year running back continues to recover from a torn ACL, and while Dobbins was seen with a limp mere weeks ago, it appears the door is still open for him to play on Sunday. If he does suit up, he could be on a snap count, putting him in the RB3 range. On the other hand, if he doesn't play, Kenyan Drake and Mike Davis would split lead back duties for Baltimore.
Miles Sanders Injury Update
Sanders (hamstring) logged a full practice session on Friday and doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Week 1 against the Lions. Still, without clear insight into what the Eagles' rushing attack will look like, fantasy managers should temper expectations and view Sanders in the RB3 range this week.
Kenneth Walker III Injury Update
Walker (abdomen) was listed as a non-participant in the Seahawks' practice estimation on Friday. The rookie continues to recover from hernia surgery, but his unavailability on back-to-back days puts his Week 1 status in doubt. If Walker manages to play, he would rank as a high-end RB4 in his NFL debut. Otherwise, Rashaad Penny will draw the start and rank as a high-end RB3. We'll have official confirmation about Walker's expected availability on Saturday afternoon.
James Robinson Injury Update
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson believes that Robinson (Achilles) is "100 percent back," according to Mike DiRocco of ESPN. The third-year back has the potential to see a normal workload as soon as Week 1, and although he'll be operating behind Travis Etienne, his value in the passing game makes him a solid RB3 option this week.
Alexander Mattison Injury Update
Mattison (personal) did not practice on Thursday or Friday, but he's expected to suit up for the Vikings' Week 1 contest against the Packers. Although Mattison has shown prowess in the running game before, he is blocked on the depth chart by Dalvin Cook and therefore doesn't have too much fantasy allure. He's simply a handcuff and should be left on your bench this week.
Ty Montgomery Injury Update
Montgomery (knee) was limited in practice on Friday and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins. Interestingly, what was initially reported as an ankle injury has now developed into a knee issue for the veteran receiving back. If active, Montgomery would rank third on the depth chart but provide potential in the passing game. Still, without exact insight into his role, Montgomery isn't an option for your fantasy lineups.
Myles Gaskin Injury Update
Gaskin (neck) logged another full practice session on Friday and has been cleared to play against the Patriots in Week 1. He was limited on Wednesday but has only made positive progress since then. Still, as the third back in the Miami offense, Gaskin should be left on waivers in all leagues.
Isaiah Spiller Injury Update
Spiller (ankle) was a full participant in practice this week and does not have an injury designation heading into Week 1. He will suit up on Sunday, making his NFL debut against the Raiders. Still, he figures to be the Chargers' No. 3 back behind Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley, making him only worth rostering in dynasty formats.
Salvon Ahmed Injury Update
Ahmed (heel) remained limited for the third consecutive practice on Friday, garnering a questionable designation heading into the weekend. As the No. 4 back in the Miami offense, Ahmed should be left on waivers in all leagues.
Giovani Bernard Injury Update
Bernard (ankle) was a full participant during Friday's practice after being limited for two days prior. He officially sports a "questionable" designation heading into Week 1 against the Cowboys. Even if Bernard suits up, he ranks fourth on the depth chart and would be a change-of-pace receiving option at best.
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