There are plenty of goals that people have this week. Maybe it's to take advantage of that Black Friday deal and get a start on your holiday shopping. Maybe it's to stuff your face like you'll never eat again, indulging in countless desserts and eating enough calories for a family of four. Maybe it's to see family for the first time in a long time. Or maybe it's just to have a seat at the table because being relegated to a snack tray just isn't good enough anymore. That's likely how some of the NFL running backs feel in Week 12, just hoping to regain their seat at the table. Can Kyren Williams, Dameon Pierce, and Antonio Gibson all return to the lineup -- and your fantasy football lineup -- for Thanksgiving week?
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these key RBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 12 fantasy landscape.
For the latest on injured pass-catchers Cooper Kupp, Mark Andrews, and Odell Beckham Jr., click here. For updates on ailing RBs De'Von Achane, Kenneth Walker III, Aaron Jones, and D'Onta Foreman, go here. For news on more banged-up WRs, including Justin Jefferson, Tee Higgins, Noah Brown, and Michael Thomas, click here.
WEEK 12 FANTASY: Full waiver list | FAAB budget planner
Kyren Williams injury update, Week 12 fantasy outlook
After a stint on IR, it appears that Williams (ankle) could be nearing a return in Week 12. Head coach Sean McVay told reporters on Nov. 6 that he expects the running back to be back on the field when first eligible, and he reiterated that on Tuesday when he said he expects Williams to play this week against Arizona.
Once activated, Williams should assume his RB1 role that had him averaging over 16 carries per game through the first six weeks. Royce Freeman and Darrell Henderson Jr. have mostly split the backfield in the meantime, with Freeman seemingly "taking over" last week, but both would be relegated to fantasy irrelevancy upon Williams' return. The former Notre Dame running back would be a welcome addition back to any lineup, ironically against the same team that he was initially injured against. Arizona allows the third-most fantasy points per game to RBs, so Williams is an auto-start if he's back.
WEEK 12 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Dameon Pierce injury update, Week 12 fantasy outlook
Pierce (ankle) missed a third straight game last week, but he returned to practice in a limited capacity on Friday. That's good news for those of us wondering what happened to the running back, especially with the lack of updates on him. Ultimately, Pierce's return to practice is all we have to work with. Maintaining that limited status in practice this week will be key for him, and an upgrade to full participation would essentially guarantee his return against Jacksonville. Head coach DeMeco Ryans didn't offer clarity on how the backfield would look when Pierce is active again, saying that having him and Devin Singletary is a "good problem to have."
It's hard to believe that Singletary would lose his hold on the backfield considering the way he's been playing recently. He's rushed for 150 and 112 yards, respectively, in the past two games, also adding two touchdowns in that span. Singletary is simply too efficient right now to leave the lineup, especially while the Texans are rolling. We believe that Ryans and the Texans would feel the same way. Pierce couldn't take advantage of the opportunities he was given earlier in the year, and that relegates him to a low-end flex option. Singletary remains a lineup lock with the way he's playing.
WEEK 12 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Antonio Gibson injury update, Week 12 fantasy outlook
Gibson (toe) was listed as "doubtful" heading into Week 11, eventually ruled out in advance of the Commanders' loss to the Giants. Washington has a quick turnaround, however, traveling to Dallas to play the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. It remains to be seen whether that is too ambitious for Gibson to return Thursday, but logging an estimated limited session in Monday's estimated practice report is a good start. Tuesday's update will be a big one with the hope being he can at least maintain that limited status.
Brian Robinson Jr. has stepped it up in the receiving game without Gibson, totaling 177 yards through the air over the past two weeks. Through his first nine games in 2023, Robinson only turned in 137 receiving yards, an indication of the role Gibson held on the team. Chris Rodriguez Jr. would continue to be the backup running back if Gibson is out, but he doesn't have the same receiving upside. In that case, we'd upgrade Robinson thanks to that dual-threat ability. Gibson would remain a flex option, at best, and someone who likely needs a touchdown to warrant a lineup spot.
