It all comes down to this. The 2023 fantasy football season has been a blur, for better or worse. Most season-long leagues are wrapping up their regular seasons this week, and with playoff spots on the line, having up-to-date information will be even more important than usual. Unfortunately for everyone involved, Week 13 wasn't kind to the RB position, claiming quite a few prominent names and lineup locks at a time when no one can afford to lose these players. Derrick Henry, Rhamondre Stevenson, D'Andre Swift, Brian Robinson Jr., and Zach Charbonnet all exited their respective games early and failed to return last week. Can they turn that negative into a positive by getting back on the field for their teams and yours?
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these key RBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 14 fantasy landscape.
For updates on banged-up WRs Christian Watson, Tank Dell, Amari Cooper, and Marquise Brown, click here. For news on injured RBs Kenneth Walker III, Aaron Jones, and D'Onta Foreman, go here. For updates on more injured WRs like Christian Kirk, Justin Jefferson, Demario Douglas, and Rashid Shaheed, click here. For the latest on banged-up TEs Dalton Schultz, Darren Waller, and Dallas Goedert, go here.
WEEK 14 FANTASY: Full waivers list | FAAB budget planner
Derrick Henry injury update, Week 14 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Titans' coach Mike Vrabel said on Monday that, contrary to earlier reports, Henry is not in the concussion protocol.
Henry was up to his usual antics on Sunday against the Colts, turning in a vintage performance with 21 carries for 102 yards and two touchdowns. He tormented Colts' defenders for most of the afternoon, but he was forced out of action in the fourth quarter to be evaluated for a concussion. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, that has since landed the star running back in the NFL's concussion protocol, which casts some doubt on his Week 14 status.
"King Henry" has still managed to post solid numbers this season, even if they aren't up to the video game-like level we've seen in recent years. It's become a trend in recent weeks for players to not miss as much time with concussions, but that might not be the case for Henry, who is known for a physical running style. The Titans, who are essentially eliminated from playoff contention, could find it in their best interest to be cautious with Henry while also getting a look at rookie Tyjae Spears. Henry's backup filled in nicely for him on Sunday, totaling 16 carries for 75 yards in addition to catching four-of-six targets for 13 yards. Spears not only becomes a priority waiver add, but he's also a must-start if Henry ends up missing Week 14's Monday night matchup against the Dolphins.
WEEK 14 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Rhamondre Stevenson injury update, Week 14 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Tests revealed a high-ankle sprain for Stevenson, which will sideline him for "a few weeks," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Nothing can stand in the way of the Patriots' tank -- not even Stevenson. New England was in the midst of a potential scoring drive, something that wasn't common on Sunday in Foxborough, when Stevenson coughed up a fumble and fell to the ground in pain. The RB left with an ankle injury and did not return. It is believed to be a sprain for Stevenson, but they'll wait for an MRI to determine the severity and potential timeline for a return. The injury occurred as a result of the now-infamous "hip-drop" tackle, which has been a hot topic of discussion since Ravens' TE Mark Andrews (leg, ankle) suffered a season-ending injury in Week 11.
Stevenson was the last remaining fantasy-relevant player in the Patriots' offense. His likely absence means we might as well continue with the idea that there are only 31 teams in the NFL now. If you're still of the belief that there are 32, then Ezekiel Elliott is a player to keep on the radar. He took over the RB1 spot in the wake of Stevenson's injury, totaling 21 touches for 92 total yards. It was a fine effort from Elliott, who becomes worthy of a waiver claim this week, but his ceiling remains capped by an anemic Patriots offense that hasn't scored at least 10 points in three straight games. The former Cowboy should be considered likely to start when New England heads to Pittsburgh to battle on Thursday night to open Week 14.
WEEK 14 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
D'Andre Swift injury update, Week 14 fantasy outlook
The Eagles have been on the right side of close games all season long, jumping out to a 10-1 record, but the record hasn't inspired much confidence, with some underlying issues beneath the surface causing some concern about the drop-off from last year to now. While the Eagles were clobbered by the 49ers in South Philly on Sunday, perhaps the best representation of that was when Swift was pummeled by Niners' CB Deommodore Lenoir. The RB promptly fell to the ground and was clearly shaken up, unable to return. There was just under three minutes remaining in a game that was clearly out of reach with San Francisco up 42-19 at the time, so it's curious why Swift was still in the game at that point. Either way, information wasn't readily available in the aftermath, perhaps an indication that the RB simply had the wind knocked out of him.
Swift was out-snapped by Kenneth Gainwell 44-30 against the 49ers, which could've been due to game script, but the former Lion hasn't been as consistent in recent weeks, splitting time with Gainwell. Part of the thought process was that the RBs in Philly would receive a little more work with Dallas Goedert (forearm) sidelined, but that hasn't happened either. With just six carries for 13 yards, it's becoming more apparent than ever that QB Jalen Hurts also doubles as the team's RB1, since he receives almost all of the goal-line carries. If Swift is actually hurt, Gainwell would be a worthwhile pickup, so we'll have to monitor the practice reports.
Brian Robinson Jr. injury update, Week 14 fantasy outlook
Robinson left Sunday's loss to the Dolphins in the second quarter with a hamstring injury and did not return. Updates on the severity of the injury were not known, leaving everyone in limbo as the Commanders head into their Week 14 bye.
Robinson rushed for 53 yards in the 45-15 blowout loss, but now the concern is how his hamstring responds. They are notoriously pesky injuries, but the RB has time to heal and rest thanks to Washington's off week coming at the right time. It remains to be seen whether he'll be able to suit up in Week 15 when the Commanders return to action against the Rams, but Antonio Gibson and Chris Rodriguez Jr. would figure to fill the void if Robinson isn't ready by then.
Zach Charbonnet injury update, Week 14 fantasy outlook
Charbonnet was knocked out of Thursday night's loss to the Cowboys with a knee injury and did not return. The Seahawks haven't provided many updates on the rookie's status, with ESPN's Brady Henderson saying HC Pete Carroll called it a bruise with no indication of it being a serious injury.
The rookie filled in nicely for the ailing Kenneth Walker III (oblique), recording 99 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against the Cowboys. Charbonnet's task wasn't the easiest, being forced to deal with two of the league's top defenses -- the 49ers and Cowboys -- in his first two starts. If he can't return to action this week along with Walker, DeeJay Dallas projects as the starter in Week 14. Seattle has another matchup looming with the 49ers, capping the ceiling of whatever RB ends up getting the nod. We'll have to wait until initial practice reports come out later this week to get a clearer picture, however.
