With the 2022 preseason officially in the books, fantasy football owners are getting prepared for their fantasy drafts and the regular season. Injury updates are more important than ever, and several RBs, including Brian Robinson, Najee Harris, David Montgomery, and Ty Montgomery have been dealing with issues that could affect their rankings and ADPs (and the rankings of others).
Below we'll give you the latest news on these running backs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect their fantasy outlooks heading into the season. For the latest on banged-up pass-catchers Diontae Johnson, Logan Thomas, and Robert Tonyan, click here.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2022 fantasy cheat sheet
Brian Robinson injury update
UPDATE: Commanders' coach Ron Rivera said Monday afternoon that doctors are confident Robinson can return this season.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera told reporters on Monday morning that it was a "relief" visiting Robinson in the hospital after he was shot twice on Sunday in an attempted robbery, according to Sam Fortier of the Washington Post. Rivera added that there's no timetable on his return, but the team may discuss putting Robinson on the NFI (Non-Football Injury) list after the rookie gets an update from the doctors, per Fortier.
Outside of football and fantasy football, it is good to hear that Robinson is in good spirits and not dealing with life-threatening injuries after being shot on Sunday. The rookie posted on Instagram that the surgery went well, which is good to see. The Commanders will likely not rush Robinson back onto the field. He had been having an outstanding training camp/preseason this summer, and if not for this incident, Robinson appeared to be the team's lead back over veteran Antonio Gibson. SN Fantasy has dropped the rookie running back ranked 59th among running backs in standard and 61st in PPR formats amid the uncertainty. Until we hear more, Robinson is probably not draftable outside of deep leagues, but if you want to stash him, he could pay off around midseason.
Conversely, Gibson has moved up to borderline RB2 status despite worries about his fumbling issues. J.D. McKissic should also get more playing time now, raising his value in PPR leagues.
2022 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers | Top 200 | Superflex
Najee Harris injury update
The second-year running back said on Sunday night after the Steelers' final preseason game that he had a sprained lisfranc in training camp, according to beat reporter Josh Rowntree. Rowntree added that the foot injury requires a four-to-six week recovery, and Harris said he's at the four-week mark. If we go based on this timeline, Harris should be in good shape for the Steelers' regular-season opener against the Bengals. However, it will be interesting to see if this injury becomes a reoccurring issue throughout the season.
Harris had a great rookie season, carrying the Steelers' ground game and rushing for 1,200 yards on 307 carries and seven touchdowns. He also played a part in Pittsburgh's receiving game with 74 receptions (94 targets) for 467 yards and three touchdowns. Earlier this month, Steelers running back coach Eddie Faulker said he wants Harris to have seven fewer snaps per game this season, according to beat writer Mark Kaboly. It wouldn't be a bad idea for the Steelers to lighten the load for Harris as they have a couple of young running backs behind him, who can make some noise (Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland). Nevertheless, we should expect Harris to be a big part of Pittsburgh's offense this season. SN Fantasy has Harris ranked third among running backs in standard and second in PPR formats, as we're not overly concerned about the foot issue.
2022 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers | Top 200 | Superflex
David Montgomery injury update
Montgomery made his preseason debut on Saturday night after missing some time in training camp due to an undisclosed injury. The veteran running back had nine carries for 28 yards and a five-yard catch against the Browns in the team's preseason finale. It was good to see the 25-year-old running back on the field after the team was cautious with him throughout the summer. Montgomery will likely see a noticeable workload for the Bears this season as he's in a contract year.
2022 FANTASY SLEEPERS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | One from each team
However, do not be surprised to see more Khalil Herbert on the field this season. He has more burst and can be used in the passing game out of the backfield. Bears beat writer Chris Emma said earlier this month that he expects more will be more of a share in the backfield between Montgomery and Herbert. Last season, Herbert had a couple of solid games when Montgomery was out with a knee strain for four games. SN Fantasy has Montgomery ranked 24th among running back in standard and PPR formats this season. He'll likely finish within the top-25, as he'll get the a good amount of touches in a Bears' offense that is still under construction with first-year head coach Matt Eberflus.
2022 AUCTION VALUES (Standard & PPR):
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers | Overall
Ty Montgomery injury update
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick told reporters Saturday morning that veteran running back Ty Montgomery traveled back with the team from Las Vegas, but he will undergo more testing after being carted off because of an ankle injury, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Before going down with the injury in the team’s preseason finale, Montgomery looked primed to be New England’s No. 3 running back behind Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson.
In New England’s offense, the No. 3 running back would have a key role, which James White filled admirably for many years. If Montgomery is sidelined for multiple weeks, we could see rookie Pierre Strong Jr. or Stevenson enter the conversation to be the third-down back. Stevenson in particular gets a boost in PPR leagues, while Montgomery is off the fantasy radar until he comes back. If you want to stash him in deep leagues, he could have sleeper value.
