As fantasy football owners prepare for their championship games, several key RB injuries hang over their heads. Christian McCaffrey and Joe Mixon seem unlikely to return from their multi-week absences, but Myles Gaskin and Antonio Gibson are both inching closer to getting back on the field. Knowing the latest injury updates on them will be key when making waiver pickups and Week 16 start 'em, sit 'em decisions.
For the latest updates on injured RBs Ezekiel Elliott, Cam Akers, James Robinson, and Ronald Jones, click here; for injury news on key WRs Julio Jones, Kenny Golladay, DeVante Parker, and Tyler Boyd, click here; for the latest on banged-up TEs George Kittle, Eric Ebron, and Mike Gesicki, go here. For all the latest fantasy updates, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
WEEK 16 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Is Christian McCaffrey playing this week?
The Panthers maintain McCaffrey (thigh) is planning to return this year, but after failing to practice last week and being ruled out relatively early, it seems unlikely he will suit up this week against Washington.
McCaffrey is nursing his third different injury of the season, and with the Panthers out of the playoff picture, there's no real reason to bring him back. Assuming he's out again, Mike Davis will remain the lead back and be worth using as an RB2.
WEEK 16 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Is Myles Gaskin playing this week?
There were no updates last week about Gaskin (COVID), who tested positive for COVID on Dec. 12. He will be eligible to return this week against Las Vegas, but it's still unclear how he's feeling or what Miami's plan is with him.
Perhaps a better question is whether Gaskin will resume lead-back duties if he returns. Salvon Ahmed continues to play well in his absence, and it's likely that the two would split backfield touches if both are active, something we haven't yet seen this year. We would give Gaskin the slight nod in value, as he started over Ahmed early in the season and has been a much better receiver, but given the favorable matchup, both would have at least flex value.
WEEK 16 WAIVER WIRE: Top pickups | FAAB budget planner
Is Antonio Gibson playing this week?
Gibson (toe) was able to get in individual drills last week and was originally listed as "doubtful" for Sunday's game. He ultimately didn't play, but it appears he'll at least be "questionable" this week against Carolina, which is a step in the right direction.
If Gibson plays, he's a must-start in a favorable matchup even though his workload could be slightly scaled back. J.D. McKissic would have RB2 value in Gibson is out again, and he'd be a decent PPR flex even if Gibson is active.
Is Joe Mixon playing this week?
The Bengals keep leaving the door open for Mixon (foot) to return this year, but he's been out since Week 6 and is still yet to resume practicing, so it seems like a longshot to expect him back anytime soon.
Giovani Bernard reclaimed the starter's role in Week 15, rushing 25 times, and he will likely carry the load in a highly favorable matchup this week in Houston. Consider him a high-upside RB2.
