Some big-name running backs are clouding the Week 5 outlook for a lot of fantasy football owners. As bye weeks begin, we are left to sift through the news and reports, hoping that our fantasy teams are spared from the constantly evolving injury scene. With Jonathan Taylor, Saquon Barkley, and Javonte Williams headlining the banged-up RBs in advance of the weekend, an active or inactive designation can completely flip matchups and league standings, making this a big swing week.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these key RBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 5 fantasy landscape. For updates on ailing WRs Tee Higgins, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Cooper Kupp, click here.
WEEK 5 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start 'em, sit 'em
Jonathan Taylor injury update, Week 5 fantasy outlook
Taylor (ankle) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, and it appears all that's left for the running back is whether he and the Colts can agree on whether to proceed with playing him on Sunday. Since the injury isn't a concern -- NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that Taylor "could have played two weeks ago" -- we simply have to wait and see whether the two sides can repair their relationship enough to allow Taylor to return against the Titans.
It's possible that Week 5 ends up seeing the running back active in what might amount to a showcase game for a potential trade. However, playing this week and beyond could also help the star running back secure his desired extension. If Taylor ends up playing, you'll want to avoid the Colts' running backs in this brutal matchup until we get more clarity on how touches will be divvied up. If Taylor is out, keep Zack Moss in as a volume-based flex.
WEEK 5 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Saquon Barkley injury update, Week 5 fantasy outlook
Barkley (ankle) returned to Giants practice and spent time with the first-team offense, a good sign for his Week 5 availability. However, he was still listed as limited, meaning we'll still want to see an upgrade to full practice to feel comfortable about Barkley's status heading into the weekend. Regardless, it was the first time Barkley participated in team reps since suffering the injury, continuing the positive trend since returning to practice last week.
The story remains the same otherwise, as the star running back will be a must-start when he's back on the field. Barkley would turn the backfield keys over to Matt Breida once again if he can't play when New York travels to Miami to play the Dolphins in Week 5.
WEEK 5 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Javonte Williams injury update, Week 5 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Williams returned to practice on Thursday.
Williams (quad) didn't participate in practice on Wednesday, according to the team's injury report. Early reports indicated that he isn't expected to miss much time, if any, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. However, a missed practice to start the week won't inspire confidence in his availability for Week 5's game against the Jets.
Fortunately for fantasy owners, we got a look at what to expect with Williams sidelined, as Denver opted for a committee approach with Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin last week. The veteran out-snapped the rookie, 27-18, but it was McLaughlin who was more effective, carrying the ball seven times for 72 yards while Perine mustered up only 12 yards on six carries. McLaughlin also added a receiving touchdown, showing the type of upside he possesses. Perine would likely get the first crack at starting if the depth chart is any indication, but we would expect a steady dose of the more explosive McLaughlin. That makes the rookie our preferred option if Williams can't play, but both running backs enter flex territory since we aren't certain how the workload would be divided. Williams would remain in low-end RB2 territory if he's active.
WEEK 5 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
Kyren Williams injury update, Week 5 fantasy outlook
Williams (hip) did not practice on Wednesday, but it's important to note that head coach Sean McVay said that it was a precautionary move. McVay added that Williams is expected to play against the Eagles this week.
The Rams' RB1 was likely due for some rest considering he leads the position in snaps by a wide margin with 243 through four weeks. Christian McCaffrey is second on the list with 213, an indication of just how much L.A. has relied on the former Notre Dame running back. The Rams have also used him as a punt returner, a head-scratching move considering the risk for injury on those special teams snaps. Regardless, Williams is a must-start if he plays considering the ridiculous production, scoring five touchdowns in four weeks. If the Rams decide he needs a week off, they would turn to Ronnie Rivers to fill that spot.
