Week 4 marked the season’s first major injury wave across the 2025 fantasy football landscape. Multiple elite players at various positions have suffered significant ailments. Reserve running backs frequently become valuable fantasy assets when featured backs are sidelined. This week presents Sean Tucker, Michael Carter, and Rico Dowdle in expanded roles. Are fantasy managers able to confidently deploy these players in Week 5 lineups?
Sean Tucker Fantasy Outlook
Tucker has recorded precisely one carry through four games this season. Such minimal usage doesn’t suggest someone worthy of fantasy consideration. After all, superior talent would typically earn more opportunities. However, we’ve witnessed far less capable players achieve fantasy relevance.
During the 2024 campaign, Tucker delivered a performance where he handled 17 touches for 196 total yards and two scores. Tucker isn’t your standard third-string option. He possesses genuine talent that separates him from typical depth pieces.
Head coach Todd Bowles has repeatedly expressed the need to increase Tucker’s involvement throughout the past year. Obviously, with Bucky Irving on the roster, expanded opportunities weren’t realistic. The key point remains that Tampa Bay has faith in Tucker’s abilities.
Irving won’t suit up this week due to a foot sprain.
MORE: Bucky Irving Injury Update
Rachaad White will naturally assume starting duties and has demonstrated the capacity to handle significant workloads previously. However, there’s a legitimate reason Irving supplanted him. White lacks efficiency as a runner. We could witness White’s responsibilities increase only modestly, while Tucker assumes the primary rushing role. Tucker should also receive preference for goal-line attempts.
Michael Carter Fantasy Outlook
Carter represents arguably the riskiest option among potential starts this week. He was elevated from the practice squad just last week, and for valid reasons. He doesn’t possess special athletic traits that demand touches.
Last season, however, Carter was thrust into action. This occurred in Week 16 following injuries to James Conner and Trey Benson. Well, here we find ourselves in similar circumstances. The difference this time involves much earlier season timing.
Conner is sidelined for the remainder of the year, while Benson will miss 4-6 weeks on IR with a meniscus issue. This isn’t merely a late-season desperation move. Arizona will operate with a backfield led by Emari Demercado and Carter for approximately the next month.
During Weeks 17 and 18 of 2024, Carter played over 70% of snaps while handling 15 and 21 touches respectively. He’s demonstrated capability of shouldering substantial workloads.
Notably, Demercado wasn’t healthy during those contests either. We lack clarity on how this workload division will actually unfold, which makes Carter extremely unpredictable. If this becomes Demercado’s backfield, anyone starting Carter will experience disappointment.
What remains certain is Arizona’s commitment to utilizing two running backs. They consistently have throughout recent seasons.
Earlier this year, Conner handled primary rushing duties while Benson managed passing-down responsibilities. Following Conner’s injury, Benson evolved into Conner’s role while surrendering his previous passing-down work to Demercado.
We might see Carter step into Benson’s former responsibilities, while Demercado’s role remains relatively unchanged. Truthfully, we simply lack definitive information at this point.
There’s certainly a possibility Carter starts. He appeared to indicate he’s been informed of starting duties when speaking with reporters. However, that could merely reflect acknowledgment of his enhanced role. Regardless, if Carter can secure 10-12 touches, that volume should prove sufficient.
Rico Dowdle Fantasy Outlook
Dowdle represents the strongest option among these three players. We possess much clearer understanding of his capabilities in a featured role. We witnessed this during the 2024 season with Dallas. He exceeded 1,000 rushing yards while recording multiple games with snap shares above 70%.
With Chuba Hubbard now fully expected to sit due to his calf injury, there’s significantly less uncertainty regarding Dowdle’s upcoming role. He will serve as Carolina’s primary back.
We’re already observing Dowdle in an expanded capacity. He appears to be the preferred goal-line option and has recorded double-digit touches in consecutive games. Fantasy managers should absolutely prioritize Dowdle with Hubbard sidelined.
Should You Start Tucker, Carter, or Dowdle?
Tucker likely represents a reasonable bet for 10-12 touches. The concern involves his matchup. Seattle ranks second in rush EPA allowed at -0.19 per attempt. They possess an outstanding defense overall but excel particularly against ground attacks. Tucker probably won’t generate significant rushing production.
The positive aspect involves Tampa Bay’s potent offense. Baker Mayfield will orchestrate scoring drives for this unit. This creates at least some possibility Tucker can convert a short touchdown opportunity. Given widespread injuries across the NFL, Tucker qualifies as an RB3 this week.
Carter’s utilization and specific role remain unclear. We won’t definitively understand this backfield split until game action unfolds. What we know for certain is the matchup appears excellent.
Tennessee surrenders the fourth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Arizona enters as substantial home favorites likely to enjoy favorable game script. Cam Ward struggles to sustain drives, allowing the Cardinals extended possession opportunities. Similar to Tucker, Carter also merits RB3 consideration.
With Hubbard out, Dowdle becomes the most attractive start among the three options. Miami struggles defensively across all areas. They’re allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Their 0.14 EPA allowed per rush ranks second-worst league-wide.
Dowdle emerges as a must-start RB2 with confirmed lead-back duties. He easily deserves lineup priority over Tucker and Carter. With Hubbard sidelined, Dowdle offers legitimate upside in an excellent matchup situation.