We are just under a month away from the start of the 2024 NFL regular season. Over the past two weeks, we’ve seen far too many training camp and preseason injuries. Here is the latest injury update on every relevant fantasy football running back.
To stay up-to-date on the latest injury news, check out PFN’s injury tracker.
Nick Chubb Injury Update
There hasn’t been much of an update for Nick Chubb, other than that he’s progressing well in his recovery from tearing multiple knee ligaments in Week 2 of last year.
But Chubb did a sideline interview during the Browns’ preseason game on Saturday, where he provided an update on his status moving forward.
But according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler — and to the surprise of no one — Chubb is not expected to be ready for Week 1. My guess is he will start the season on the PUP list.
Fantasy managers considering drafting Chubb will do so knowing they will have to sit on him for what could be months. Jerome Ford is the presumptive starter in Cleveland for as long as Chubb is sidelined.
Joe Mixon Injury Update
Joe Mixon was out for a couple of weeks with a quad strain. He has since returned to practice and looks to be 100%.
I doubt we will see Mixon in the preseason, but barring any aggravations, he should be good to go for Week 1.
Jonathon Brooks Injury Update
The Carolina Panthers’ rookie running back is coming off a November ACL tear. Jonathon Brooks is not practicing just yet but is expected to be activated off the PUP list sometime in August. That would put him on track to play in Week 1.
In the meantime, Chuba Hubbard has been operating as the RB1, a role he earned last season. He may be in store for a larger early-season role before eventually giving way to the rookie.
Given where the Panthers drafted Brooks, making him the first running back off the board, he’s going to be the starter sooner rather than later.
It will likely be a slow start for Brooks, but the second half of the season is more important than the first. If the injury keeps Brooks’ ADP depressed, fantasy managers should very much consider drafting him at a discount.
Chuba Hubbard Injury Update
The Panthers can ill-afford to lose Hubbard early in the season, as Brooks is not going to be ready for around a month or so. Hubbard went down at practice on Thursday and was grabbing at his right knee. He did not return to the field.
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Given how new this injury is, we have no information. It could be anything from a bruise to something torn. There’s no sense in speculation. We will likely get an update from the team or an insider soon enough.
Kendre Miller Injury Update
It’s been a challenging beginning to Kendre Miller’s career. Due to injuries, he was sidelined for much of the 2023 preseason. Now, his 2024 season is off to a similarly concerning start.
It’s bad enough that Miller is dealing with yet another hamstring strain. Compounding the issue is his coaches are clearly frustrated with his inability to stay on the field.
Already firmly behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams, Miller can’t make up ground watching practice. He is completely off my draft board.
MarShawn Lloyd Injury Update
The Green Bay Packers’ rookie third-rounder missed OTAs and the start of training camp with a hip issue. Upon his return, he was quickly sidelined once again, straining his hamstring in the first preseason game.
There’s plenty of time between now and the start of the season. However, Lloyd is not considered a lock to be ready for Week 1.
We already had reports of Lloyd being behind A.J. Dillon on the depth chart. While Lloyd has the talent to easily surpass Dillon, it’s not going to happen if Lloyd doesn’t get a chance to prove it.
The rookie looks like someone fantasy managers will draft as a handcuff and end up dropping within the first few weeks.
Keaton Mitchell Injury Update
It’s been a rough start to Keaton Mitchell’s career. He missed the first five weeks of his rookie season due to injury. After playing in two games, Mitchell got hurt again. He appeared in the Baltimore Ravens‘ next six games and thoroughly impressed before tearing his ACL.
Mitchell is currently on the PUP list. He likely will not be activated to start the season, meaning he will miss at least the first six weeks. Justice Hill should operate as the change-of-pace back behind Derrick Henry until Mitchell can return.
Jahmyr Gibbs Injury Update
Earlier in the week, Jahmyr Gibbs left practice with a mysterious “leg injury.” The worst part of training camp is the lack of clarity on injuries. We are heavily reliant on insiders to get us the details.
Fortunately, we were able to find out that the leg injury was a hamstring strain and is a relatively minor one.
Gibbs obviously will not be playing in the preseason (which, if we’re being candid, he was never going to play anyway), but does not appear to be in serious jeopardy for Week 1.
I am drafting Gibbs as normal at the back end of the first round.
Christian McCaffrey Injury Update
A couple of weeks ago, Christian McCaffrey strained his calf. He hasn’t practiced since.
For a veteran like McCaffrey, who has been the best running back in football for the past five years, missed practice time is not a concern. As long as he can get his body right for Week 1, fantasy managers should draft him as usual.
Given the lack of worry from the team, I would still take McCaffrey No. 1 overall with confidence.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. Injury Update
In one of the more wild injury stories of the preseason, Tyrone Tracy Jr. went down with a non-contact leg injury and was carted off the field with his leg in an air cast. It sure sounded like he was done for the season.
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Not only was it later revealed to not be as serious, Tracy was back on the practice field Thursday, participating in individual drills. He may even be able to play in the team’s final preseason game, which would go a long way toward him securing the RB2 role behind Devin Singletary early in the season.
Zach Charbonnet Injury Update
It’s unclear if Zach Charbonnet is actually hurt. He apparently woke up with what is being described as tightness and has missed two days of practice so far.
The Seahawks don’t even know (or, at least, aren’t telling us) exactly what is going on. It’s something to monitor, but any injury being described as tightness is not something we should be worried about nearly a month away from the start of the season.
Alvin Kamara Injury Update
The Saints’ RB1 has been dealing with a back issue that has cost him a couple of practice sessions. It’s not a new issue, as it’s something he’s managed in the past.
The team is not worried about it, and neither should fantasy managers. Kamara should be back on the field well before the season starts.
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