Heading into Week 5 of the 2021 season, what information do we have on RB injuries, and how will they affect your fantasy football lineups? Which RBs do we expect to appear on the injury report this week? Check back all week for fantasy injury updates and reports.
Make sure to check out our most up-to-date Week 5 NFL Injury Report to see who will be playing and who is out this week.
Fantasy football RB injury report
Which RBs are dealing with injuries that could be a concern for fantasy football managers?
Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
We did not receive any additional updates on Joe Mixon’s ankle sprain on Tuesday. Head coach Zac Taylor anticipates Mixon being limited in Wednesday’s practice. Mixon’s participation at practice in any capacity bodes well for his chances of playing this week against the Packers.
Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ feature back was limited once again at Tuesday’s practice. Sean McVay is just being smart with his players on a short week. Darrell Henderson will play Thursday against the Seahawks.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers
Elijah Mitchell is still working his way back from a shoulder injury. He practiced on a limited basis last week but was not cleared for contact. It’s expected that will change this week, and there’s a decent chance he can return.
Given Kyle Shanahan’s clear lack of confidence in Trey Sermon, we can project Mitchell to return to his role as the primary back when he’s ready to play. Furthermore, with the 49ers releasing RBs Kerryon Johnson and Chris Thompson, we can read the tea leaves that Mitchell is ready to go.
David Montgomery, Chicago Bears
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that David Montgomery has a knee sprain and is expected to be out 4-5 weeks. Expect Montgomery back in Week 11, following Chicago’s bye week. Damien Williams will be the primary back in his absence, with Khalil Herbert as the change-of-pace option.
Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
We did not receive any updates on Dalvin Cook’s ankle injury Tuesday. We will have to wait and see what Cook does at practice Wednesday through Friday. My early guess is he will be no more than limited throughout the week but will ultimately play on Sunday.
If the reports on Cook take a negative turn, Alexander Mattison will once again be a high-end RB2.
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
The best running back in fantasy football missed Week 4 with a strained hamstring. The Panthers still haven’t placed Christian McCaffrey on IR, which suggests his return isn’t too far off. I would still be very surprised if he practiced or played this week, but there’s at least a 50% chance he returns in Week 6.
I am certain that head coach Matt Rhule will field multiple questions about McCaffrey’s status throughout the week. His answers will hopefully give us better insight into CMC’s recovery timeline.
Other fantasy-relevant RBs on the injury report update
While not the star-studded names of fantasy football, how do the following players impact the fantasy landscape due to their injury statuses?
Tony Jones Jr., New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara’s primary backup was carted off the field Sunday with what looked like an ankle injury. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Tony Jones Jr. is expected to miss about a month. Pay attention to who comes in the game the first time Kamara needs a breather this week, as that is likely the primary handcuff going forward.
Peyton Barber, Las Vegas Raiders
For some reason, even with Josh Jacobs hobbled, Jon Gruden had Peyton Barber returning kicks on Monday night. As it turns out, that wasn’t the best idea, as Barber sustained a toe injury on a kick return.
Barber is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Tuesday, and Gruden said there is some concern about serious injuries regarding some of his players. It is unclear if he is specifically referencing Barber.
Either way, Barber has no fantasy value while Jacobs is healthy, and Jacobs did emerge from Monday’s game no worse for wear. Those who grabbed Barber off waivers last week can likely let him go.
