Injuries are, unfortunately, a big part of the NFL, as well as a big part of fantasy football. In both scenarios, the ability to handle injuries and make the proper adjustments could be the difference between a championship run and a disappointing end to the season.
Aaron Jones has been out for the Green Bay Packers but could be back in Week 7. After losing Nick Chubb for the season, the Cleveland Browns have been counting upon Kareem Hunt to keep the rushing attack going. Kenneth Walker III is the go-to running back in Seattle, but Zach Charbonnet is a guy who is definitely important to that roster.
All three of these guys are currently battling injuries, and what should fantasy football managers look at when considering them this week?
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Latest News and Injury Updates Impacting Fantasy
Aaron Jones, RB, Packers
Jones has been a focal point of the Packers offense the past few seasons, as he has rushed for at least 1,084 yards in three of his last four seasons. He is also dangerous in the passing game, as he has had at least 47 catches during that time. He has 11 touchdown catches over the past two seasons.
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In the season opener, Jones showed that pass-catching ability, as he caught two passes for 86 yards. However, he has played in only one game since the opener, and that was against the Detroit Lions on September 28. He is currently questionable in this game, so if he is even able to play, expect him to have a limited role in the offense.
Editor’s Note: Jones is active for Week 7 against the Denver Broncos.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Browns
Editors Note (Oct 22 at 11:30 a.m. ET):Â Hunt is officially active for Week 7.
The Browns picked up a huge win against the San Francisco 49ers last week, winning the game 19-17. The thing that stood out in that game was the Browns’ ability to run the ball against a great defense. The 49ers are currently fifth in rush defense (80.2 yards), and that’s after giving up 160 yards to the Browns.
Hunt had 12 carries for 47 yards in the game but is currently nursing a thigh injury. He is currently questionable for the game. Keep an eye on Hunt up until the last moment because if he plays, he could be a valuable fantasy piece. There are some great running backs currently out on bye, and the Browns have a good matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts are 19th against the run (113.5 yards) and just lost Grover Stewart to a six-game suspension. If Hunt is unable to go, his teammate Jerome Ford could be in line for a big fantasy day.
Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seahawks
Editors Note (Oct 22 at 14:30 a.m. ET): Charbonnet is officially inactive for Week 7.
Charbonnet was hurt in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend, and he is currently questionable for the matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. He didn’t practice on Friday, which is usually a good indicator of a player’s status for the upcoming game.
The Cardinals have struggled to stop the run, ranking 24th against the run (133.3 yards). If Charbonnet is unable to go, then there could be an even bigger workload for Walker. If you’re a Walker manager, that could be good news, as he has scored at least one touchdown in the last four games, including two games with two scores.
