It’s been a rough week for running backs as we have several on the list today.  With so many injuries and six teams on a bye, there will be slim pickings in the backfield for fantasy GMs.  Many of these situations are also fluid and ever changing, so you will need to stay on top of them for further updates throughout the weekend.  So without further ado, here is the next edition of the fantasy football walking wounded.

C.J. Anderson (RB-DEN)

The Broncos released surprising and devastating news earlier this week that C.J. Anderson had torn his meniscus and will need surgery.  He was placed on injured reserve which means his fantasy season is over since he cannot return for at least eight weeks.  Rookie backup Devontae Booker immediately becomes a RB1 and should be swept up off the waiver wire if he wasn’t already.  Anderson can be dropped in all non-keeper leagues.

Lamar Miller (RB-HOU)

There are few things more irritating for fantasy GMs than a game-time decision on a player due to an injury.  Lamar Miller has been dealing with a shoulder issue since Houston’s loss to Denver last Monday and has been limited in practice this week.  The Texans have indicated that it will be a game-time decision whether he plays even though Miller seems confident that he will take the field.  However, even if he does play it is likely that he will see a limited number of snaps which opens the door for Alfred Blue to get some playing time.  You will need to check back in on Sunday morning for an update on his status before you make a decision on him.

DeMarco Murray (RB-TEN)

Murray suffered a toe injury during the Titans win over Jacksonville on Thursday night.  He came out of the game but returned later on to finish with 123 yards and a touchdown.  Tennessee indicated that Murray will undergo an MRI just to be safe, but right now it does not appear his status for Week 9 against San Diego will be affected.  Murray has been rejuvenated this year after Chip Kelly sucked the life out of him in 2015.  He is a bona fide RB1 and a must-start every week.

Jamaal Charles (RB-KC)

Charles was forced out of last week’s game against New Orleans after just a couple snaps when his injured knee began acting up.  He has been ruled out for Week 8 and his prognosis going forward is not optimistic.  He has essentially no fantasy value at this point as Kansas City has Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West to lead the way for them.  There really is no reason to hold onto Charles on your fantasy team unless you are in a very deep league or you have a plethora of bench spots.

Doug Martin (RB-TB)

Martin suffered a setback before last week’s game and still has not returned to practice.  He has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against Oakland which just adds to the aggravation of fantasy GMs who had high hopes for him this year.  Jacquizz Rodgers will get another opportunity to carry the load for Tampa Bay and he becomes a RB1 option against the Raiders defense.

LeSean McCoy (RB-BUF)

The Bills are paying the price for Rex Ryan’s inexplicable decision to push McCoy last week.  He did not practice all week and is not going to play against New England.  McCoy needs sufficient time to let his hamstring injury heal so look for an alternative such as Mike Gillislee to fill the void in Shady’s absence.

Tevin Coleman (RB-ATL)

Coleman sustained a hamstring injury during Atlanta’s loss to San Diego last week.  We suspected he would miss some time and sure enough Coleman has been ruled out for Week 8 against Green Bay.  Despite the tough matchup against the Packers solid run defense, Devonta Freeman will see a heavy workload out of the Falcons backfield.

Randall Cobb (WR-GB)

Cobb has been limited in practice this week with a hamstring injury but it should not affect his ability to play on Sunday against Atlanta.  This could be a very high scoring game as Aaron Rodgers appeared to get back on track last week which bodes well for Cobb who has 39 catches for 388 yards and only two touchdowns thus far.  You can plug Cobb in your lineup with confidence that he will be on the field, but the question will be whether his hamstring limits what he can do while on the field.

Donte Moncrief (WR-IND)

Moncrief is set to return after fracturing his shoulder blade in Week 2 and immediately becomes a viable fantasy option on Sunday.  He will step right back in as Andrew Luck’s number two wide receiver and could be in for a big game against Kansas City.  His return could negatively affect Jack Doyle who may not receive as many targets as he has over the past several weeks.   

Jordan Reed (TE-WAS)

Reed has missed the past couple weeks with a concussion but received clearance earlier in the week and has been practicing at full capacity.  He will be on the field against the Bengals this Sunday and should absolutely be in your lineup as an elite tight end option.  The game is in London so make sure you have him in your lineup before 9:30 AM Eastern time.

Martellus Bennett (TE-NE)

Bennett has been banged up all year but missed practice on Friday which puts his status for Sunday’s game in jeopardy.  Even with Rob Gronkowski on the field, Bennett is still a viable fantasy option because Tom Brady does spread the ball around and Bennett has always had a knack for finding the end zone.  Check back for an update over the weekend before putting him in your lineup.

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Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and is also the co-host of the Fantasy Alarm podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment),