It’s always a challenge to navigate through injuries in fantasy football, and the RB position is not immune from players getting hurt. The time to set Week 5 lineups is upon us. What is the latest injury information on Javonte Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Justice Hill?
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Injury Updates for Top Fantasy Football RBs
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos
Last week, Javonte Williams threw a wrench into fantasy matchups by exiting the game in the first half due to what was described as a hip issue. We later learned he was dealing with a quad injury.
Either way, the injury was not described as serious, and there wasn’t even a guarantee Williams would miss any time.
After not practicing on Wednesday, Williams got in a limited session on Thursday, before being upgraded to a full practice on Friday. The Broncos still listed Williams as questionable.
It’s quite uncommon for players who get in full practices to be listed on the final injury report. The full practice suggests Williams will be good to go on Sunday, and Sean Payton’s words seem to echo that sentiment.
Sean Payton feels “fortunate” with the running back depth.
Said all of the RBs will be ready.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR)
However, it isn’t quite that straightforward. There’s more to it.
According to the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson, Williams is far from a guarantee. “They’re going to talk about it in a staff meeting (Friday) and I’ll probably know more in the morning,” Williams said.”
“I feel pretty good but I didn’t practice (fully) the whole week,” said Williams, who sat out Wednesday’s workout and was listed as limited on Thursday and as a full participant on Friday. “I’m going to do what they say.”
The Broncos have a quick turnaround with their next game on Thursday. I believe Williams when he said he’d be ready to go for that game. It would certainly help his cause if he rested this week. Reading between the lines, it sounds like that may be the direction in which we’re headed.
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Jaleel McLaughlin was a popular waiver wire pickup this week. Our PFN Consensus Rankings are currently operating as if Williams will be active. But if not, McLaughlin would be the preferred start over Samaje Perine (but only barely). The two would undoubtedly share the work, making neither an appealing fantasy option.
Editor’s Note: Williams is inactive for Week 5’s matchup against the New York Jets.
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
By far, the most concerning injury of the three names listed here is Jahmyr Gibbs. That’s because Gibbs wasn’t even listed on the injury report until Friday.
Given that reporters spoke to Dan Campbell before Friday’s practice, they weren’t able to ask about Gibbs, as Gibbs was fully healthy with no concerns.
Gibbs tweaked his hamstring during practice. His limited designation indicates he exited practice early due to the injury. The Lions initially listed him as questionable on the final injury report. However, on Saturday, they downgraded him to doubtful.
At this point, it is unclear how serious it is. We know hamstring strains vary significantly in severity. They also tend to linger.
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The downgrade to doubtful confirms what I initially suspected — Gibbs will not be playing this week.
Gibbs was already an unexciting start for fantasy managers. With bye weeks beginning, it may be difficult to replace Gibbs. His absence will result in Craig Reynolds seeing some more action this week. However, expect the Lions to use David Montgomery as much as possible, with him only leaving the field when he’s tired. Already in a great spot, Montgomery is shaping up to be a top play at running back this week.
Editor’s Note: Gibbs has been ruled OUT for Week 5.
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens
Justice Hill returned to action last week after just a one-week absence but was limited heavily. He played just seven snaps and handled three carries. The good news is Hill was able to rip off 33 yards on those three carries. The hope is he will be healthier this week and can take on more work.
The bad news is Hill was once again on the injury report all week. He was listed as dealing with hamstring and foot issues.
You never want to see multiple injuries for a player, especially a running back, but there’s reason for optimism despite the questionable tag.
Hill got in limited sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, before being upgraded to full on Friday. Fantasy managers should feel reasonably confident that Hill will not only play but see heavier usage than he did last week.
In a favorable matchup against a Steelers defense that struggles to stop the run, Hill is a viable RB3/Flex play if you need him to cover byes/injuries. Gus Edwards will remain the lead back, but Hill should mix in for 8-10 touches, which is good enough this week.
