The RB injury report for Week 8 has some intriguing implications for fantasy football managers. With the first NFL injury reports for Sunday having been released on Wednesday, let’s look at the fantasy implications of those latest injury updates, which include the likes of Ezekiel Elliott, Chuba Hubbard, D’Andre Swift, James Conner, and others.
RB Injury Report Heading into Week 8
Please note that practice status listings are as follows: DNP – did not participate, LP – limited participant, FP – full participant.
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Ezekiel Elliott, DAL | Knee (DNP)
It seems largely precautionary that Ezekiel Elliott missed practice Wednesday with an MCL knee sprain and a thigh bruise. The injury happened when he collided with Detroit Lions safety DeShon Elliott on Sunday.
While the Cowboys’ RB briefly left the game, he was able to return. Just two carries after injury, Zeke was able to hurdle his namesake, suggesting the knee issue was not limiting him too much.
It is not a huge surprise that the veteran running back was given a rest day with this sprain. We might very well see him miss practice again Thursday or be limited at best. However, at this point, it is not clear whether Zeke will miss the Week 8 game against the Chicago Bears. Another consideration is that the Cowboys are on a bye in Week 9. That would give Zeke two weeks to rest while only missing one game.
MORE: Week 8 Fantasy IR Updates
When Elliott spoke to the media, he said his knee felt better today than Monday. When asked about his chance of playing Sunday, he added, “I don’t know right now. We got a lot of time until Sunday.” However, he did add he could play Sunday without needing to practice this week.
If Zeke does miss the game, Tony Pollard would figure to see an increase in carries. During his media availability Wednesday, head coach Mike McCarthy suggested that Pollard could see a full workload if Zeke was out.
“We’re so, so fortunate to have Tony and Zeke here,” McCarthy said. “I think both are fully capable of carrying a full load.”
That said, do not be surprised if we see the Cowboys elevate Qadree Ollison from the practice squad or sign Malik Davis, who has already been elevated twice. They placed their third-string RB, Rico Dowdle, on the IR last week.
Chuba Hubbard, CAR | Ankle (DNP)
Another player who is not a surprise to see on the Week 8 RB injury report is Chuba Hubbard. The Carolina Panthers RB left the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter. Hubbard worked out on the stationary bike Wednesday while wearing a red non-contact jersey.
After the game Sunday, it was reported that Hubbard could have returned to the game if required. That would suggest he avoided a major injury and should be in line to play Sunday.
After practice, interim head coach Steve Wilks said he hopes Hubbard can progress and be ready for Sunday. Hubbard had 63 rushing yards and a touchdown on nine rushing attempts, with two receptions for 10 yards on three targets in Week 7.
MORE: Week 8 Fantasy RB Start ’em Sit ’em
If Hubbard were to miss the game, we would likely see an increase in work for D’Onta Foreman. After Hubbard left the game, Foreman handled the bulk of the work, having mixed in with Hubbard before that. Foreman finished with 15 rushing attempts for 118 yards while adding 27 receiving yards on two receptions.
The Panthers have Raheem Blackshear as the third RB on their roster, with Spencer Brown on the practice squad. If we see them try out veteran backs this week, then we will get an indication that the injury for Hubbard may be more serious than they initially let on.
D’Andre Swift, DET | Shoulder (FP)
There was good news for fantasy managers as D’Andre Swift finally got in a full practice for the first time since Week 1. Barring a setback, Swift should be good to go this week. However, fantasy managers should not expect him to touch the ball 15-20 times, necessarily.
Jamaal Williams has done a solid job as the lead back, and we could easily see Swift eased back in. If he is active, it is close to impossible not to start him. This is simply a public service announcement to not get your hopes too high as much as anything.
James Conner, RB | Ribs and Darrel Williams, RB | Knee
With both James Conner and Darrel Williams returning to practice in Week 8, things just got a lot more complicated in the Cardinals backfield. Eno Benjamin has done a solid job holding down the fort, but Conner would be expected to return as the main option.
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He was able to get to be questionable for Thursday Night Football in Week 7, so he has a decent shot to play in Week 8.
Williams is likely less impactful, as his role would be limited if Conner was active. It will be intriguing to see how this backfield shapes out. If Conner starts, it will be hard to bench him, but this backfield could be a very messy committee until someone misses time again.
