The Week 8 RB injury report is surprisingly quiet, which will relieve most fantasy football managers. There are just two fantasy-relevant backs whose status for Sunday is uncertain, and one of those carries far more relevance than the other. Let’s take a look at the latest news regarding Ezekiel Elliott, James Conner, Darrel Williams, Chuba Hubbard, and more in Week 8.
RB Injury Report Heading Into Week 8
Ezekiel Elliott, DAL | Knee (Out)
Update: Ezekiel Elliott is inactive for the Cowboys in Week 8.
While there did not seem to be a huge amount of concern early in the week that Ezekiel Elliott could miss Sunday’s game, that concern has grown throughout the week. He has not participated all week and carries the doubtful tag into the weekend. Rarely does a player suit up when given a doubtful designation.
It would be a surprise if Elliott is active in Week 8. In his radio interview on Friday, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones pointed to the advantage of having the bye in Week 9 and giving Elliott two weeks to recover. Jones also suggested that if it were not for the bye, Elliott might have a better chance to play this week. On Saturday night, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Zeke is not expected to play this week.
In Zeke’s absence, expect to see Tony Pollard receive an expanded workload. Pollard has 375 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 67 rushing attempts this season. He also has 105 yards from 11 receptions on 18 targets. His efficiency, combined with the potential for an expanded workload, makes Pollard a starting option in all league sizes.
MORE: Week 8 Fantasy Football Rest-of-Season Rankings
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The Cowboys will also likely elevate one or both of Malik Davis and Qadree Ollison from the practice squad this week. Davis has been elevated twice, so he would likely be the more utilized option alongside Pollard. However, neither has significant fantasy value this week.
James Conner | Ribs (Out) & Darrel Williams | Knee (Questionable)
It very much seemed like James Conner was on track to play in Week 8 after he was limited the first two days at practice. However, Conner was a non-participant Friday and was ruled out by Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury after practice. Kingsbury appeared hopeful that Conner would be back in Week 9.
Further elaborating on Conner’s injury, Kingsbury added that the RB’s health is “not all the way there.” He added that Conner would “try to go, but it wouldn’t be in his best interest.” That is somewhat cryptic and leaves Conner’s status very much up in the air for Week 9.
Kingsbury also told the media that Darrel Williams will be a game-time decision, as the veteran running back returns from a knee injury. The good news for the Cardinals is that Eno Benjamin and Keaontay Ingram performed well in Week 7, reducing the need to rush either Conner or Williams back.
Through the first seven weeks, the Vikings have allowed an average of 19.88 fantasy points to opposing backs. However, after struggling against RBs in the first three weeks, they have been significantly tighter since then. In their last three games, the Vikings have not allowed more than 19 fantasy points against opposing RBs.
Therefore, it is tough to see two backs having significant value this week. The absence of Conner means that Benjamin is a 12-team Flex consideration, but the potential presence of both Williams and Ingram is a concern.
Chuba Hubbard, CAR | Ankle (Out)
There was hope coming out of last week that Chuba Hubbard would be able to suit up in Week 8. However, he was ruled out Friday and did not practice all week. It will be intriguing to see what the next steps are for Hubbard. As of Friday, the Panthers have not placed him on IR, giving him a shot to play next week.
In Hubbard’s absence, D’Onta Foreman is expected to lead the backfield. Last week, Foreman played on 54 percent of the snaps, carrying the ball 15 times for 118 yards. He also added two receptions for 27 yards.
Backing up Foreman will most likely be Rahaam Blackshear and practice squad RB Spencer Brown. We will find out for sure by Saturday whether Brown will be the third RB, as the Panthers will have to name him as one of their practice squad elevations.
Foreman is the only player to carry significant fantasy value. He is a Flex consideration for 12-team leagues. The matchup with the Atlanta Falcons isn’t a great one, as Atlanta has allowed just 17.97 fantasy points on average to RBs. That said, Foreman had success against a stingy Tampa run defense last week.
Additionally, the Falcons have given up more than 15 fantasy points to RBs in five of the last six weeks. Included in that are performances of 27.5 and 36.6 fantasy points allowed to backs in Weeks 4 and 5.
D’Andre Swift, DET | Ankle/Shoulder (Cleared)
For the first time since Week 1, D’Andre Swift will carry no injury designation into Sunday. However, there is a chance he could be limited in terms of touches as the Detroit Lions ease him back in. He is such an explosive playmaker that is hard not to start, but prepare yourself to still see a lot of Jamaal Williams on what could be a frustrating day for Swift managers.
Josh Jacobs, LV | Foot (Cleared)
There is little surprise to see Josh Jacobs cleared for Week 8. Despite being listed as limited through Thursday, there was never any real concern he might miss this week. After being a full participant in practice on Friday, Jacobs is not on the final injury report and should be considered a solid starting option in all league sizes this week.
Raheem Mostert, MIA | Knee (Cleared)
This was a strange week for Raheem Mostert. He started the week as a full participant before being downgraded to limited with a knee injury on Thursday. He remained limited on Friday but did not receive any tag on the final injury report. He should remain the starting RB for the Miami Dolphins and is a solid RB2 option for fantasy managers in our Week 8 PPR fantasy rankings.
