As we look toward Sunday’s kickoff for Week 8, there are several key running backs (Ezekiel Elliott, D’Andre Swift, James Conner, Chuba Hubbard) dealing with injuries that could force fantasy football owners to make tough start ’em, sit ’em decisions.
Below, we’ll give you the latest news on these RBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 8 fantasy landscape. For news on ailing pass-catchers Deebo Samuel, Darren Waller, Michael Thomas, Amon-Ra St. Brown, DK Metcalf, and Allen Lazard, click here.
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WEEK 8 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start ’em, sit ’em
Ezekiel Elliott update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Elliott (knee) did not practice on Thursday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Ezekiel (knee) suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain and thigh bruise last week and is expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Bears, according to beat writer Clarence E. Hill Jr, though Elliott has indicated he still has a chance to play.
Considering Dallas has a Week 9 bye, it’s unlikely it risks it with Elliott. The Cowboys will lean on Tony Pollard, who played a season-high 65 percent of offensive snaps last week against the Lions. Pollard did a little bit of everything for the Cowboys’ offense, compiling 109 yards of total offense on 14 touches, and he should keep the good times rolling against a Bears defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points per game to RBs. Pollard is an easy RB1.
WEEK 8 PPR RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
D’Andre Swift injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
Swift (shoulder) was a full participant at practice on Wednesday ahead of the Lions’ Week 8 matchup against the Dolphins. He has missed Detroit’s previous three contests.
Last week, Swift was limited in practice before ultimately failing to suit up. If Swift does not suffer any setbacks this week, fantasy owners should feel comfortable starting him against the Dolphins. Miami’s defense allows the 14th-most fantasy points per game to RBs, making this a good matchup for Swift and Jamaal Williams. Since Swift is coming off a multi-week injury stint, Williams could still receive the majority of the carries, so he still has flex value, while Swift would be a solid RB2 in PPR leagues.
WEEK 8 STANDARD RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
James Conner injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
Conner (ribs) returned to practice Wednesday after missing the Cardinals’ previous two games, according to beat writer Darren Urban.
Conner has not been able to duplicate last season’s production, where he scored a career-high 15 rushing touchdowns. However, when he’s healthy, the Cardinals know they can lean on him as their feature running back. Conner will look to get back on track this week against a Vikings’ defense that’s allowing the 16th-most fantasy points per game to RBs this season. Eno Benjamin could still be involved, but Conner will be a borderline RB2 if he’s active.
WEEK 8 DFS LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel
Chuba Hubbard injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Hubbard (ankle) did not practice on Thursday.
Hubbard (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday ahead of Carolina’s game in Atlanta on Sunday.
Hubbard and D’Onta Foreman were some of the top pickups off the waiver wire last week after the Panthers traded star running back Christian McCaffrey. Hubbard played well against the Buccaneers, posting 63 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. The second-year back also suffered the ankle injury late in the game, but it was reported that Hubbard “could have come back if needed.” If Hubbard cannot play this week or is limited, we should expect Foreman to lead the team in carries for the second-straight week and be worth an RB2 slot. If Hubbard plays, both backs would be flexes.
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