The situation surrounding running backs in both real life and fantasy football is quite the headache, so much so that Advil or Tylenol won't be enough. So, why would it be any different heading into Week 1? Granted, the injury report is much less than it will be later in the year, but owners won't be satisfied until the list has zero names on it.
Breece Hall and Zack Moss appear to be the most noteworthy banged-up backs ahead of Week 1. Hall is obviously the bigger name and carries more risk with him playing in the final game of the season's opening week, leaving little options elsewhere. Moss is part of a committee in Indianapolis that will have you questioning whether down is up and up is down.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these RBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 1 fantasy landscape. For updates on injured TEs Mark Andrews and George Kittle, click here; for news on banged-up WRs Terry McLaurin, Christian Watson, Jerry Jeudy, Marquise Brown, and more, go here.
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Breece Hall injury update, Week 1 fantasy outlook
Hall (knee) hasn't seen game action since going down with a torn ACL in Week 7 against the Broncos last season. He's since returned to practice, albeit in a limited capacity this week before the team's "Monday Night Football" game against the Bills. Hall's return from the knee injury has been quick, and he doesn't seem to be showing much rust to this point, though it is only in team practices. We won't know what to expect when he returns to game action, which could see him with a lighter workload to start the 2023 season.
The Jets bolstered their backfield by adding Dalvin Cook in free agency, as both insurance to Hall and an upgrade to the running back room. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Cook would be a full-go with no limitations on "MNF," which certainly hurts Hall's outlook. We expect Hall to play, but it's hard to suggest starting the second-year running back when Cook has completely recovered. Part of the reason New York brought in the former Viking was to ease Hall back while keeping him fresh for a stretch run. Fantasy owners might want to avoid the potential headache and consider other options ahead of the Week 1 finale.
WEEK 1 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Ideally, if you drafted Hall, there's a decent option on your bench, especially since the waiver wire is quite limited already. If not, Jaylen Warren, D'Onta Foreman, or Kenneth Gainwell are the next best options that are available in over 50 percent of Yahoo leagues. If Hall is a surprise scratch -- or even if he does play -- Cook's value in fantasy should be upgraded in Week 1 to reflect what might be a bigger workload.
WEEK 1 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Zack Moss injury update, Week 1 fantasy outlook
Moss (arm) isn't a player that's common on fantasy teams, being rostered in only seven percent of Yahoo leagues, but his significance is what he provides as it relates to other running backs on the Colts roster. He's currently listed as RB1 on the depth chart, but most in the fantasy community have been eyeing Deon Jackson and Evan Hull while Jonathan Taylor remains away from the team.
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Moss practiced Wednesday on a limited basis, which is probably good news for his Sunday status. Coach Shane Steichen has thrown a wrench into the Indianapolis backfield, saying via the Indy Star, “I think it’s running back-by-committee. Whoever’s got the hot hand, let ‘em ride a little bit.”
"Committee" is arguably the least favorite word for everyone who plays fantasy football. Managers likely tried to steer clear of the Colts roster in the wake of the Taylor situation, but if you are rostering one of the team's running backs, buckle up. We don't know which player will handle the workload and whether it will remain the same week-to-week.
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The best advice is to avoid the headache completely, but if you can't, Moss' status clouds Jackson's and Hull's outlook. Our best guess would be the rely on the depth chart and trust that Moss will get the first opportunity to win the lead job.
