Are the stars aligning for some star running back returns? After weeks without them, the Chargers and Giants will hope to have Austin Ekeler and Saquon Barkley return to game action in Week 6 for the first time in a long time. Meanwhile in Detroit, the hope and apparent belief is that Jahmyr Gibbs won't be gone for long.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these star running backs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 6 fantasy landscape.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these star running backs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 6 fantasy landscape. For more on key banged-up pass-catchers Justin Jefferson, Travis Kelce, and Tank Dell, click here; for news on James Conner, Khalil Herbert, and Anthony Richardson, click here; for the latest on De'Von Achane, go here; for more on ailing WRs Mike Evans, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tee Higgins, go here.
WEEK 6 FANTASY: Top pickups | FAAB budget planner | Trade advice
Austin Ekeler injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
Ekeler (ankle) hasn't played since Week 1, but he inched closer to a return in Week 4. The running back logged three limited practices in advance of the Chargers game against the Raiders, but he was ultimately listed as "doubtful" and did not play. With a bye week looming after the game, the move made sense as L.A. tried to nurse their star back to full health. Now, as the Chargers return from their week off, it seems likely we'll get to see Ekeler on the field once again.
Of course, official news is lacking with the team away during the bye, but we expect to see Ekeler put in a full practice at some point this week as his team prepares for a Monday night matchup with the Cowboys. When Ekeler does return, he'll resume his normal role as a set-it-and-forget-it running back in what's been a weird year for the position in fantasy. If Ekeler has a setback, Joshua Kelley will once again start and handle the bulk of the RB touches, making him a low-end RB2/high-end flex.
WEEK 6 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Saquon Barkley injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
Barkley (ankle) picked up his injury in Week 2 on the final drive against the Cardinals. He hasn't played since despite many attempts to try and get back on the field. Instead, Barkley has been forced to sit and watch as his team's season spirals out of control, falling to 1-4. He returned to the practice field in advance of Week 4, practicing in a limited capacity all week before being listed as "doubtful." Barkley continued that trend before Week 5, this time earning a "questionable" designation.
With that in mind, we expect to see him take another step forward this week and put in a full practice, or at least do enough to get some game action on Sunday when Big Blue visits the Bills in Buffalo. Barkley's ceiling, however, isn't as high as it once was as a struggling offensive line has completely derailed the season. Daniel Jones hasn't been much better under center, but with poor blocking and a stagnant passing attack, it's unclear how much Barkley can help. He'll provide a boost and should be in your lineup when active, but the odds of him living up to that high-round fantasy draft status appear unlikely. If he's once again out, Eric Gray and Matt Breida will split touches, rendering both irrelevant in fantasy outside of deep leagues.
WEEK 6 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Jahmyr Gibbs injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
Gibbs (hamstring) picked up his injury during practice in advance of Week 5, appearing on Friday's injury report. The rookie was sidelined for the Lions' game against the Panthers, but head coach Dan Campbell didn't seem too concerned, saying it didn't look awful. That matches up with the timeline, considering how quick the turnaround was from practice to game day. That makes his status one to watch when Wednesday's injury reports come out, but hamstring injuries are known to be lingering.
Even if Gibbs plays, it's hard to recommend him as anything more than a flex option. As long as David Montgomery is present, Gibbs' floor is low, and his ceiling doesn't go higher than a one-story building. Detroit doesn't seem keen on using their No. 12 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to impact the game in a positive way, instead running Montgomery 22 times a game on average. For now, Gibbs looks to be taking a back seat in the offense behind Montgomery, much like D'Andre Swift did to Jamaal Williams last season. Gibbs definitely isn't the player you drafted him to be, but don't fall into the trap of sticking with him based on that investment.
