We're getting to that point in the season where we're starting to see the cast of characters in the running back injury updates every week. Damien Williams, Devin Singletary, and Rashaad Penny are back again after missing the past two games, and Tevin Coleman returns after a couple weeks out of the spotlight field because there wasn't even a question of whether he'd play. All of these injuries have waiver pickups and RB rankings -- not to mention start 'em, sit 'em decisions -- up in the air ahead of Week 5.
For more on injuries to Marlon Mack, Davante Adams, and Jarvis Landry, click here; for updates on banged-up WRs T.Y. Hilton, Terry McLaurin, and DeSean Jackson, go here. For the latest news and fantasy updates, follow us on Twitter (@SN_Fantasy).
WEEK 5 NON-PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Damien Williams injury update
Williams has now missed two straight games due to his knee injury. It's meant two straight starts for LeSean McCoy and two straight double-digit fantasy games for Darrel Williams. As of now, it appears Damien is week-to-week.
Damien would return to a PPR starter role upon his return, and despite Darrel's success, he'd probably be relegated back to the Chiefs' bench. If Damien can't return in time for Week 5, both McCoy and Darrel are RB2/FLEX options in fantasy leagues.
WEEK 5:
Top waiver pickups | FAAB planner | Trade values | Snap counts
Will Tevin Coleman play Week 5?
Ahead of the 49ers' Week 4 bye, speculation was that Coleman could make his return to the San Francisco backfield for Week 5. That would be at the front end of the four-to-six week timeline that was reported when Coleman initially suffered his high-ankle sprain.
This has been a maddening backfield for fantasy owners even with Coleman out. All of Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. have had substantial roles. Wilson would probably be the first to go when Coleman returns, but the other two could still play a part in the rushing attack for the 49ers. Because San Francisco plays on Monday night this week, you likely can't count on any of them in fantasy leagues unless you know for sure Coleman is out.
WEEK 5 PPR RANKINGS: Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end
When will Devin Singletary be back?
Singletary has missed two straight games due to a hamstring injury he sustained in Week 2. The rookie from FAU participated in a limited fashion in practices last Thursday and Friday, so he looks close to making his return to the Buffalo backfield. Bills coach Sean McDermott said Singletary was "close" to playing Sunday.
With Singletary out, it's been obvious that the Bills' carries will go to Frank Gore. It's not as clear at this point how it will break down upon Singletary's return, but if the early season is any indication, more carries will go to Gore while Singletary will be more of the big-play threat. Both will be borderline FLEX plays upon Singletary's return until we see how it shakes out.
WEEK 5 DFS LINEUPS:
Y! cash | Y! GPP | FD cash | FD GPP | DK cash | DK GPP
Rashaad Penny injury news
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Penny will be "ready to go" for Seattle's Thursday night hosting of the Rams. Penny's missed two straight games, allowing Chris Carson to re-strengthen his grip on the Seattle starting RB job.
Carson seems to have taken hold of the job again, in part due to no fumbles in Week 4. The Rams seemed an imposing matchup until the Bucs dropped 55 on them in Week 4. On a short week, even if Penny's back, you have to play Carson and sit Penny until something changes in Seattle.