Running backs Elijah Mitchell, D'Andre Swift, Chase Edmonds, Jamaal Williams, and Darrell Henderson missed last week's games, and with the fantasy football playoffs set to begin, all of their statuses will be crucial to our Week 15 rankings and your 'em, sit 'em decisions. Get the latest injury updates on each player below.
For the latest on Darren Waller, Keenan Allen, T.J. Hockenson, Tyler Higbee, and Adam Thielen, click here; for updates on banged-up QBs Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Taylor Heinicke, click here; for injury info on Terry McLaurin, Kareem Hunt, Austin Ekeler, and more, go here; for news on ailing players coming off a bye, including Jalen Hurts, Miles Sanders, Damien Harris, and Myles Gaskin, click here; for the latest on Calvin Ridley and Michael Carter, go here. For all the latest fantasy news, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
MORE WEEK 15: Top waiver pickups | FAAB budget planner
Elijah Mitchell injury update
Mitchell (concussion, knee) was trending toward being out against the Bengals all week, but there's a good chance he's able to play against Atlanta. As usual, we'll just have to keep up with the latest practice reports ahead of Sunday, but Mitchell is virtually a must-start if he can go.
Atlanta has given up the seventh-most fantasy points to RBs, so we like Mitchell as the RB15 in standard and RB14 in PPR. Jeff Wilson Jr. has been a bust in two games where he was the primary back, but a lot of that has to do with Deebo Samuel taking a lot of important touches. That said, Wilson will still draw some flex appeal if Mitchell is out, though he's clearly risky.
WEEK 15 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide Receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
D'Andre Swift injury update
Despite last week's rumors Swift (shoulder) could be headed to IR, Dan Campbell said he is hopeful Swift will play in Week 15 against the Cardinals. Swift's owners are surely itching to get him back, but right now he seems more "doubtful" than truly "questionable."
If he plays, you have to start him, even in a tough matchup with the Cardinals. His average yards per carry and other rushing figures won't impress you, but we've seen what he's been able to do with explosive runs and in the passing game. A high RB1 finish, at least in PPR, is always on the table, regardless of matchup. If he's out, Jamaal Williams (see below) should be viewed as a decent RB2 or flex option.
WEEK 15 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide Receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Chase Edmonds injury update
Edmonds (ankle) was a game-time scratch for Monday night against the Rams, but coach Kliff Kingsbury has already said he'll play in Week 15. Of course, that's no guarantee, but we shall see. Arizona plays Detroit, and although that screams juicy matchup, it's unclear what Edmonds' role will be in his first game back. It's often tough to predict how things will go in what should be a blowout. If Edmonds is used purely in the receiving game, he might not get a ton of work.
All things considered, we rank Edmonds as the RB25 in standard and RB21 in PPR leagues. Even if this game does get out of hand, the matchup is too strong, and we just saw Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon smash against the Lions in a one-sided affair. If he's out, James Conner has overall RB1 upside.
Jamaal Williams COVID update
Williams (reserve/COVID) missed Week 14 against Denver, and Craig Reynolds served as the primary back instead of Godwin Igwebuike or Jermar Jefferson. We're sure there were plenty of fantasy owners who started one of those guys, so hopefully Williams and/or Swift are back and we won't have to deal with that nonsense anymore. Obviously, Williams' fantasy prospects depend on Swift's availability, but in a tough matchup with Arizona, he figures to be no better than an RB2.
We rank Williams as the RB33 in standard and RB30 in PPR leagues if Swift can't go. At that range, he's going to be in a ton of starting lineups, but he does have a big bust risk if his passing game usage isn't there.
Darrell Henderson COVID update
Henderson (reserve/COVID) will obviously have to clear protocols to be ready to go against Seattle. Seattle has given up the second-most fantasy points to RBs, so if Henderson plays, he could have a nuclear performance. If he's out, it's wheels up for Michel.
However, during Henderson's absence, Michel has played well, and there's a chance he could start eating into Henderson's workload upon his return. That said, we rank Henderson conservatively as the RB17 in standard and RB23 in PPR leagues. His upside is higher, but there are red flags here as the backfield potentially becomes a committee.