With Week 5 set to kick off on Thursday night, injury updates are more important than ever as fantasy football owners begin making start ’em, sit ’em decisions This week, in addition to Thursday night no-show Jonathan Taylor, we have a ton of notable veteran running backs (David Montgomery, Rashaad Penny, Alvin Kamara, D’Andre Swift) who are dealing with issues that could hold them out and force fantasy owners to hit the waiver wire to find a fill-in sleeper.
Below, we’ll give you the latest news on these RBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 5 fantasy landscape. For the latest on banged-up pass-catchers Kyle Pitts, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Michael Thomas, Keenan Allen, and Rashod Bateman, go here.
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WEEK 5 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start ’em, sit ’em
David Montgomery injury update, Week 5 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Montgomery returned to practice in limited fashion on Thursday, according to the Bears’ official injury report.
Montgomery (ankle, knee) was among the multiple Bears players who did not practice on Wednesday, according to the team’s injury report.
The veteran running back did not play in last week’s game against the Giants due to ankle and knee injuries he suffered in Week 3 against the Texans. Last week, Montgomery did not practice at all, leading to second-year running back Khalil Herbert starting in his place. Herbert played well against the Giants, recording 77 yards on 19 carries and adding a 24-yard reception. The young running back is an excellent RB2 play this week against the Vikings, who are allowing 131 rushing yards per game and 20.3 fantasy points per game to running backs (fifth most in the NFL). If Montgomery is active, consider both backs flex-worthy.
WEEK 5 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Alvin Kamara update, Week 5 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Kamara (rib) plans to play in Week 5, according to ESPN’s Katherine Terrell.
Kamara (rib) was present at Saints’ practice on Wednesday after not playing in last week’s game against the Vikings, according to beat writer John DeShazier. However, New Orleans officially listed him as limited on the Week 5 injury report.
Kamara has missed quite a bit of time this year due to the rib injury that he suffered back in the regular season opener against the Falcons. The last time we saw the dynamic running back on the field was in Week 3 vs. the Panthers. Kamara had 61 yards on 15 carries and added two receptions for 12 yards. The Saints would love to have him back for Sunday’s matchup against the Seahawks, who are allowing 24.5 FPPG to running backs this season. If Kamara cannot go, look out for Mark Ingram to get the start for the second-straight week and be a low-end RB2/flex option for Week 5.
WEEK 5 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
D’Andre Swift injury update, Week 5 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Swift (shoulder) is unlikely to play in Week 5, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Swift (shoulder) was among the nine players who did not practice on Wednesday for the Lions, according to beat writer Justin Rogers.
It does not come as a surprise to see Swift not practicing after not playing last week against Seattle. The 23-year-old running back could potentially miss multiple weeks, especially with Detroit having a Week 6 bye. Without Swift, Jamaal Williams has stepped up and thrived as the Lions RB1, putting together an excellent Week 4 performance with 108 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. It was the third time this season that he has scored two touchdowns in a game. Williams might have a tough time finding the end zone against the Patriots’ defense that has not allowed a rushing touchdown this season. However, Williams is still a viable option as a low-tier RB1 play in most fantasy leagues for this week.
WEEK 5 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings
Rashaad Penny injury update, Week 5 fantasy outlook
Penny (shoulder) did not practice on Wednesday ahead of the Seahawks’ Week 5 matchup against the Saints, according to beat writer John Boyle.
WEEK 5 DFS: Best stacks | Best values
Penny is coming off one of the best games in his career last week, gashing the Lions’ defense for 151 yards and two touchdowns. If the veteran running back cannot play on Sunday, it will be the Kenneth Walker III show. Walker has not done much this season with 58 yards on 15 carries (three games). He could have some value as a flex play, as the Saints are giving up 124.8 rushing yards per game this season. The rookie running back is only rostered in 44 percent of Yahoo leagues ahead of Sunday’s kickoff.
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