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Below, you will find our fantasy football injuries roundup for running backs as of September 14th, coming out of the first week of regular season action. There have been new developments surrounding the injury statuses of various NFL running backs, including Najee Harris, Alvin Kamara, and Elijah Mitchell.
The fantasy football season may be young, but every decision, transaction, and lineup change matters. These are some key running back injuries to keep track of throughout in the days leading up to Week 2.
Let's look at the updates for some running backs and see whether they may play in Week 2.
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Najee Harris Injury Update
On Tuesday morning, Harris asserted that he will practice this week and play against the Patriots in Week 2. Hours later, head coach Mike Tomlin was less bullish, saying, "Naj is really optimistic. It's good to be young." Tomlin's comments didn't offer any additional insight into whether Harris will play, but they did at least seem to challenge the second-year back's guarantee that he is a lock to suit up. Fantasy managers should follow his practice status throughout the week in hopes that he can log a full session at some point.
Alvin Kamara Injury Update
Kamara injured his ribs on Sunday, but new reports suggest he should be available for Week 2 against the Buccaneers. Still, Kamara will be playing through pain for several weeks and the Saints signed Latavius Murray as an additional insurance policy. The talented back should be viewed as a high-end RB2 heading into this week's clash.
Elijah Mitchell Injury Update
Mitchell suffered an MCL sprain during Sunday's rainy loss to the Bears. He is expected to miss two months and, as a result, has been placed on Injured Reserve. Jeff Wilson Jr. figures to fill in as the immediate starter, but rookies Tyrion Davis-Price and Jordan Mason have also impressed. Deebo Samuel will maintain a big role out of the backfield too.
Ty Montgomery Injury Update
The Patriots placed Montgomery on Injured Reserve this past Tuesday. The move is curious considering Montgomery suffered a knee injury during the preseason but played in Week 1. He even scored a touchdown in Miami on Sunday. With Montgomery sidelined, Rhamondre Stevenson figures to see increased usage on third and passing downs. The veteran's injury also means that rookie Pierre Strong Jr., who was a healthy scratch in Week 1, should play several snaps this coming Sunday.
Damien Williams Injury Update
Williams exited Sunday's game with a rib injury and did not return. He was the No. 2 back behind Cordarrelle Patterson when on the field, and since Patterson totaled 136 yards and a touchdown, it's fair to wonder if Williams could have put together a solid stat line had he stayed healthy. Williams' X-rays came back negative and it appears he avoided a significant injury. Assuming he plays in Week 2, the 30-year-old would rank as an RB5.
Brandon Bolden Injury Update
Bolden suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday's game against the Chargers and did not return. He was the team's top pass-catching back, posting two receptions, 21 receiving yards, and one touchdown. There haven't been any updates regarding Bolden since the game, so fantasy managers invested in his availability should monitor the Raiders' injury reports throughout the week. If Bolden can't play in Week 2, Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah are more than capable of backing up Josh Jacobs.
Kyren Williams Injury Update
Williams, a rookie, injured his ankle in Week 1 and was quickly ruled out. In the aftermath of the contest, Los Angeles placed Williams on Injured Reserve. He is expected to miss six to eight weeks. Jake Funk projects as the Rams' No. 3 running back during Williams' absence but doesn't have any fantasy intrigue.
Kenneth Walker III Injury Update
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said that Walker, who missed Week 1 while he recovered from hernia surgery, "will be out there this week." Whether that means in practice or during the team's Week 2 contest remains to be seen, but nevertheless, the rookie's status is trending up. Given his role behind Rashaad Penny, Walker would rank as a low-end RB4 if active.
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