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Below you will find our fantasy football injuries report for running backs in the 2022 preseason. The injury statuses for various NFL running backs are up in the air during training camp, including Najee Harris, Antonio Gibson, J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and James Robinson.
With draft season soon approaching, these are some key running back injuries to keep track of throughout the week.
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Najee Harris Injury Update
Harris left practice on Monday with a foot injury and did not return. When asked, head coach Mike Tomlin said "he got his foot stepped on" but did not seem particularly concerned. While it seems Harris will be back sooner rather than later, it will be important to monitor and ensure he returns to the field before the end of the preseason.
Harris is set up to see a huge workload again in 2022, after leading the league in touches (carries + receptions) in 2021 with 381. He has top-five upside again.
Antonio Gibson Injury Update
Gibson originally left practice on Wednesday, July 27th, because of an injury to his hamstring.
The most recent update was on Monday, confirming Gibson has resumed practicing but is "working his way back" from the injury.
This is an unfortunate situation for Gibson who was already at risk of losing carries to third-round pick Brian Robinson Jr. This has allowed Robinson Jr. to get more comfortable in the offense and impress the coaching staff, who have reported he could take over the goal-line role. Gibson should have plenty of time to work his way back but hamstring injuries often linger and re-occur, adding further risk to selecting him in your draft.
J.K. Dobbins Injury Update
Dobbins has been battling his way back from an ACL (knee) tear that occurred last August, so seeing him placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to start training camp was a red flag. The recent reports have been more positive though, indicating he is on track to be ready for Week 1 and wants to get out on the field. It seems the medical team and coaching staff are taking it slow with Dobbins, recognizing his importance to the team.
The update here confirms this optimism, which would make Dobbins a massive bargain at his current ADP of 58 overall. He was electrifying in his rookie season, leading the NFL in yards per carry with 6.0, and finishing with nine rushing touchdowns. He will resume his role as the lead back in the league's most explosive rushing attack, offering top-12 upside once healthy.
Gus Edwards Injury Update
Coincidentally, the same post applies to Edwards, the secondary back for the Ravens, who also suffered an ACL (knee) tear last August. Edwards is 27 years old, meaning his recovery could take longer and he may not return to full health as quickly. This fits with the update referenced above and is seen again here below.
Edwards is already less exciting for fantasy because he is the secondary back and is not involved in the receiving game. Edwards did have a significant workload when Dobbins was a rookie but that was when he was 25 years old, completely healthy, and more familiar with the offense than Dobbins.
The Ravens are now well aware of the talent and production Dobbins offers, likely reducing the volume Edwards would receive. Furthermore, they elected to sign free agent Mike Davis and draft rookie Tyler Badie, both of whom would fill in for Edwards if he's out and could permanently supplant Edwards in the depth chart. Edwards is a name to avoid in fantasy, at least until he's back to full health.
James Robinson Update
Robinson suffered an Achilles injury in December, leading many to believe he would miss most, if not all of 2022. Yet, Robinson avoided the PUP list for training camp and seems increasingly likely to be available for Week 1.
The historical data on Achilles injuries is not great for running backs regaining their efficiency and productivity but with modern science and multiple players currently recovered from the injury including D'Onta Foreman, Marlon Mack, and presumably Cam Akers, there is a reason for optimism.
In the most recent report on Monday, Robinson was completing drills and running routes.
Robinson was incredible for fantasy in 2020, finishing as the RB7 in a half-PPR scoring format. He was also the RB16 through the first sixteen weeks last year before getting injured. The Jaguars' offense figures to take a big leap in 2022, which could equate to a big year for Robinson depending on his health and the workload he receives.
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