It's been a rocky week for running backs with David Montgomery (ankle, knee) and D'Andre Swift (shoulder) already ruled "out" and Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Cordarrelle Patterson all listed as "questionable." Remarkably, Dalvin Cook isn't even on the Vikings' injury report, but McCaffrey, Kamara, and Patterson are all must-start RBs who will require constant updates before fantasy football owners can lock in their Week 4 start 'em, sit 'em decisions.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these key RBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 4 fantasy landscape. We'll be updating this article throughout the day on Sunday, so check back for the latest news!
WEEK 4 INJURY UPDATES:
Pass-catchers | Godwin | Julio
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WEEK 4 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
Is Christian McCaffrey playing Week 4?
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that McCaffrey is "likely" to play on Sunday against Arizona, but he "might not" be at full strength.
UPDATE 2: McCaffrey is officially ACTIVE for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
McCaffrey (thigh) returned to practice in a limited fashion on Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday's sessions. He's officially listed as "questionable" heading into the Panthers' Week 4 late-afternoon contest against the Cardinals, but ESPN writer David Newton thinks McCaffrey will "attempt" to play.
While things were trending in the wrong direction after logging two straight "DNPs", McCaffrey is trending toward suiting up in Week 4. He's a "must-start" RB1 despite Baker Mayfield's inconsistency to begin the season. Should McCaffrey fail to play Sunday, RBs Chuba Hubbard and D'Onta Foreman would likely split the backfield duties. We give a slight nod to Foreman since he was an offseason signing and played more in Weeks 1 and 2, but this situation is very unpredictable. Ideally, you won't have to play one if McCaffrey is out, but considering the Panthers kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET, one of them might be your best pivot options if McCaffrey is scratched. He's still worth waiting for, though.
WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kicker
Is Alvin Kamara playing Week 4?
UPDATE: Kamara is officially OUT.
Kamara (rib) is listed as "questionable" entering New Orleans' Week 4 matchup against Minnesota in London. He practiced in a limited fashion throughout the week and is in line to suit up for Week 4, though keep in mind that the Saints and Vikings kick off at 9:30 a.m. ET, so you'll have to get up early to make sure the star RB is active.
With QB Jameis Winston (back) doubtful for Sunday morning's game, Kamara is likely to shoulder a big workload. SN Fantasy has Kamara as the No. 9 RB in standard and the No. 6 RB in PPR formats. If Kamara is a surprise scratch, Mark Ingram would be elevated to RB2 status.
WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kicker
Is Cordarrelle Patterson playing Week 4?
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported early Sunday morning that Patterson "plans to play" against Cleveland.
UPDATE 2: Patterson is officially ACTIVE.
Patterson (knee) carries a "questionable" tag heading into the Falcons' Week 4 home contest against the Browns. He returned to practice on Friday after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday in what the Falcons referred to as "rest."
WEEK 4 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings
Patterson's been one of the bright spots in the Falcons offense, entering Week 4 as the overall RB6 in PPR formats. If he's unable to go, rookie RB Tyler Allgeier gets a big boost in value. He'd be a low-end RB2/high-end flex, but we're cautiously optimistic Patterson will be a full go.
