The running back trio of Ekeler, Barkley, and Hill sounds more like a law firm than anything else, but if you're someone who rosters Austin Ekeler, Saquon Barkley, or Justice Hill, you might be wondering about the legal system and whether financial compensation is coming in the future. Running backs are a fickle bunch to figure out, already plagued by a poor contract situation and now adding injuries to the mix, too.
That trio all missed Week 3, but will they be part of the story when we turn the page to Week 4? Can their struggling teams afford another game without them?
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these key RBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 4 and season-long fantasy landscape. For the latest on Mike Williams, Gus Williams, and Derek Carr, click here; for updates on ailing WRs Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Aiyuk, Jaylen Waddle, and Zay Jones, click here; for news on injured QBs Anthony Richardson and Bryce Young, go here.
WEEK 4 FANTASY: Top pickups | FAAB budget planner | Trade advice
Austin Ekeler injury update, Week 4 fantasy outlook
Ekeler wasn’t supposed to miss a lot of time with an ankle injury, later revealed to be a sprain. As far as sprains go, it seemed rather straightforward. Ekeler later went on his podcast and spoke at great length about how Joshua Kelley was a must-have on your fantasy team before waiver claims were submitted after Week 1, and it’s only gotten worse from there, with no real clarity beyond coach Brandon Staley saying there was no timetable for a return. Then came the most concerning quote: “We’ll see how it goes here in the next few weeks.”
That uncertainty is certain to be problematic for fantasy owners, who have teams that likely can’t survive without their top pick. Considering the lack of updates and news surrounding Ekeler, it’s probably safe to say he won’t take part in L.A.‘s Week 4 contest against the Raiders, especially with a bye looming in Week 5. Kelley hasn’t produced a ton for your fantasy teams, but it’s worth riding with him again given the lack of other serviceable options.
WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Saquon Barkley injury update, Week 4 fantasy outlook
UPDATE 9/26: Barkley is considered "day-to-day," according to head coach Brian Daboll, but added the running back feels better despite not participating in the team's walkthrough. With an extra day to prepare for MNF, this one is worth watching as the week progresses.
Barkley was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain after an ugly-looking play near the end of the Giants’ Week 2 victory against the Cardinals. The injury was set to claim a few weeks of his season, but the running back surprised many by trying to get ready for Big Blue’s matchup on “Thursday Night Football.” He was ruled out in the end, but the intrigue now is whether that was simply gamesmanship or a real possibility. The Giants benefited from getting the mini-bye following their 30-12 drubbing in San Francisco and are hoping to right the ship when they return home to face the Seahawks on “Monday Night Football.”
The initial timeline had essentially declared Barkley out for MNF in Week 4, but his desire to play makes it impossible to say one way or another. As usual, Barkley would be in your lineup even if he is not at full strength. He’s simply too important to the Giants and too talented to keep on the bench. If he can’t go, then it will be Matt Breida’s backfield again. The backup didn’t impress much in his action on Thursday night but played on 82 percent of snaps and scored a TD. He should see a much better output in a better matchup against Seattle. It should be noted that we likely won’t get clarity on Barkley until later in the week, as the team will do everything they can to have him for Monday night.
WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Justice Hill injury update, Week 4 fantasy outlook
Hill didn’t end up playing in Week 3 after suffering a toe injury, which kept him out of practice all of last week. The running back was held in high regard after scoring two touchdowns in relief of JK Dobbins in Week 1, but he followed it up by splitting time with Gus Edwards. Now the door is wide open again, as Edwards left on Sunday to be evaluated for a concussion. Hill’s absence wasn’t expected to be an extended one, and he could be in line to handle RB1 duties with Edwards in concussion protocol.
If Hill is active and Edwards is not, then the former becomes someone you’ll want in your lineup. Otherwise, Hill is a low-end flex play in 12-team leagues. Ideally, you could avoid the Ravens backfield entirely this week if everyone is healthy, but we know that isn’t realistic for all teams. The additions of Melvin Gordon III and Kenyan Drake only further cloud this once promising running back room, with Gordon getting first crack at starting duties if both Edwards and Hill are out.
