Week 12 has already been a tough one for the running back position. Aaron Jones (knee) and Kenneth Walker III (oblique) sat out on Thursday, and De'Von Achane (knee) is no sure thing for Friday. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on which RBs you own), some reinforcements are set to return on Sunday, as Kyren Williams and Dameon Pierce are ramping up their practice activity. D'Onta Foreman might be the only banged-up RB that fantasy football owners really need to watch throughout the weekend.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these important RBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 12 fantasy landscape.
For updates on ailing WRs Cooper Kupp, Justin Jefferson, Tee Higgins, Odell Beckham Jr., and Noah Brown, click here.
Kyren Williams injury update, Week 12 fantasy outlook
Barring a setback in practice, Rams coach Sean McVay has already said he expects Williams (ankle) to play this week against Arizona. That notion was strengthened by the Rams releasing veteran Darrell Henderson Jr. earlier in the week. Henderson was later re-signed to the practice squad, but clearly, the Rams are expecting Williams to suit up.
Williams was the RB4 in half-point PPR leagues before his injury, and he's returning to a top-three RB matchup. Fantasy owners might be nervous about starting him in his first post-IR action after what happened with De'Von Achane last week, but Williams is as close to a "must-start" as you'll find. Royce Freeman will likely see a few series as L.A.'s lead back, but he should be left on benches in all but the deepest leagues.
WEEK 12 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start-sit
Dameon Pierce injury update, Week 12 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Pierce practiced in full again on Thursday.
Pierce (ankle) returned to a full practice on Wednesday, which seems like a sure sign he'll suit up in Week 12 against the Jaguars.
Unfortunately, it's anyone's guess as to how carries will be divvied up in the Texans' backfield if Pierce is back. Devin Singletary has posted 262 yards and two TDs on 52 carries over the past two weeks, so he's more than earned the starting job. Pierce was averaging just 3.0 yards per carry before his injury, so he's unlikely to be the lead back, but if it's even a 60-40 split and the bigger Pierce maintains goal-line work, it will be tough to trust either guy. Jacksonville is the No. 10 RB defense in fantasy, so Pierce definitely isn't worth playing this week. Singletary should be viewed as more of a deep-league flex.
WEEK 12 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
D'Onta Foreman injury update, Week 12 fantasy outlook
Foreman was held out of practice on Thursday, and considering he entered Week 11 with an ankle injury, then exited early after aggravating it, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him limited or out of practice all week leading up to Monday's game in Minnesota.
WEEK 12 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
With Khalil Herbert back and Roschon Johnson showing signs of life, it's tough to handicap the Bears' backfield going forward. If Foreman plays, this is a complete stayaway. If he's out, Herbert is worth a deep-league flex spot, but until we see this backfield with everyone healthy, there's no need to take unnecessary chances.
