It's already been a tough week for running backs, as Josh Jacobs (ankle) has been declared "out," D'Andre Swift (illness) is "doubtful," and James Conner is still on the COVID list. The good news is JK Dobbins, Mark Ingram, and Jonathan Taylor are off the COVID list, while Myles Gaskin and David Johnson have officially been activated from the IR. Unfortunately, there are still several key "questionable" RBs, including Todd Gurley, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Philip Lindsay, and fantasy football owners will be checking for updates on their injury statuses throughout the day on Sunday ahead of making their all-important Week 13 start' em, sit 'em decisions.
We'll be providing the latest news below on these backs throughout the day. For updates on banged-up QBs Tua Tagovailoa, Matthew Stafford, and Cam Newton, click here; for news on ailing WRs Julio Jones, Jerry Jeudy, and Allen Robinson, click here; for updates on Ben Roethlisberger, go here; for the latest on Terry McLaurin, click here; for more on Lamar Jackson, go here. For all the latest fantasy updates, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
WEEK 13 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Is Myles Gaskin playing this week?
UPDATE: Gaskin is officially ACTIVE.
After missing four games, Gaskin (knee) was officially activated off the IR on Saturday afternoon. Technically, he could still be ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bengals, but with Salvon Ahmed (shoulder), DeAndre Washington (hamstring), and Matt Breida (COVID) all expected to be out, it's almost a guarantee Gaskin will be back.
In the five games prior to his injury, Gaskin was averaging 20.8 touches per game, including four receptions per contest. He should continue to dominate touches in the Dolphins backfield, and against the Bengals, that should add up to borderline-RB1 production. If Gaskin is a surprise scratch, then Patrick Laird would get virtually all of Miami's RB touches.
Is David Johnson playing this week?
UPDATE: Johnson is officially ACTIVE.
Johnson (concussion) was officially activated off the IR on Saturday and is fully expected to start against the Colts on Sunday. Earlier in the week, Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said Johnson "looks great," so it's reasonable to assume he will see significant touches in his first game back.
Indianapolis struggled against the run last week, but getting back DL DeForest Buckner should help the Colts get back on track. Still, Johnson is a solid RB2 thanks to his typical high volume (16.7 touches per game in seven full games) and three-down/short-yardage role. Duke Johnson will take a backseat and only have value as a handcuff.
WEEK 13 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Is Todd Gurley playing this week?
UPDATE 2: Gurley is officially ACTIVE.
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Gurley is expected to play barring any setbacks in pre-game warmups.
Gurley (knee) managed to practice on a limited basis twice this week, and there's a lot of optimism about his chances of playing against New Orleans on Sunday.
This is a brutal matchup for Gurley, though, who's been somewhat touchdown-dependent this year. However, he's also received a lot of volume (19.3 touches in nine full games), so it's tough to sit him. Gurley still has flex value in all formats even if his snaps are somewhat scaled back. If he's out, Brian Hill and Ito Smith would once again share carries, with Hill being the slightly better low-end flex play.
WEEK 13 DFS TOURNAMENT LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel
Is Clyde Edwards-Helaire playing this week?
UPDATE 3: Edwards-Helaire is officially ACTIVE.
UPDATE 2: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Edwards-Helaire is feeling much better and the Chiefs are hopeful he will play on Sunday night.
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Edwards-Helaire is expected to play but will ultimately be a game-time decision based on how he's feeling.
Edwards-Helaire (illness) missed practice on both Thursday and Friday, but Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he expects CEH to suit up on Sunday night against the Broncos. However, because Kansas City is playing a prime-time game, fantasy owners shouldn't hold out for Edwards-Helaire unless they have a backup from one of the four remaining games (Broncos-Chiefs, Washington-Steelers, Bills-49ers, Cowboys-Ravens).
If Edwards-Helaire is out, Le'Veon Bell would handle the bulk of the RB touches and be a borderline RB2/flex, which is currently how we rank CEH. Other widely available fill-in options include Phillip Lindsay, Benny Snell, J.D. McKissic, Jeff Wilson Jr., Mark Ingram, and Gus Edwards
WEEK 13 DFS CASH LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel
Is Phillip Lindsay playing this week?
UPDATE 2: Lindsay is officially ACTIVE.
UPDATE: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Lindsay is expected to play this week.
Lindsay (knee) improved his practice status every day last week, eventually getting in a full session on Friday. It's highly likely he'll suit up on Sunday night against the Chiefs.
MORE WEEK 13 DFS: Best stacks | Best values | Lineup Builder
Given the favorable matchup, Lindsay has some flex potential, but it's unclear if he'll get enough touches -- or if Denver can move the ball well enough -- for him to really pay off. With Melvin Gordon still operating as the quasi-lead back, Lindsay is probably best left on fantasy benches this week.
