As we head into Week 3 of the NFL season, we’re already seeing several adjustments being made to NFL RB depth charts. Injuries caused some changes to the depth charts. Other adjustments to RB depth charts have been made because we’ve already seen changes in RB expected usage and production. 

For instance, it looks like A.J. Dillon, and not Tank Bigsby, is Saquon Barkley’s handcuff. That could quickly change once Bigsby becomes more familiar with the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense. It could change as early as this weekend. Will Shipley, Barkley’s former RB handcuff, is dealing with an oblique injury. He’s not on the IR, but he could be inactive again in Week 3. 

Also, if you roster Los Angeles Rams RB Kyren Williams and are worried that Blake Corum might soon steal his job, don’t be. Corum may have vultured a TD from Williams in Week 2, but he still played 43 snaps compared to Corum’s 18. Rams head coach Sean McVay used to be known for having a short leash when it came to his RBs, but the Rams signed Williams to a three-year extension that had over $15 million in guaranteed cash attached to it. Williams will continue to have a significant role in the Rams’ backfield.

The Rams RB situation may be settled, but there are several NFL backfields that are not. It may be very early in the season, but we’ve already seen increased roles for some of the NFL’s RB handcuffs over the last two weeks, and while that shouldn’t really surprise us, we need to take note of it. 

Chicago Bears rookie RB Kyle Monangai now seems to be entrenched as D’Andre Swift’s RB handcuff. He played 41.2% of the Bears’ offensive snaps in Week 2. Roschon Johnson, who was inactive in Week 1 due to a foot injury, was active in Week 2 but didn’t play a single offensive snap. Perhaps he’s still hurt.

Houston Texans rookie RB Woody Marks seems to have surpassed Dameon Pierce on the team’s RB depth chart and now looks like Nick Chubbs’ RB handcuff.

We’ve got lots more to cover in this week’s RB handcuff report. The following fantasy football backfields need your attention. 

 

 

 

Fantasy Football NFL Week 3 Running Back Handcuff Report

Minnesota Vikings

Aaron Jones has been placed on the IR due to a hamstring injury. He will miss the next four games.  Jordan Mason will take over as the Vikings’ lead back, and Cam Akers has been signed to the team’s practice squad. The Vikings’ backfield depth chart is a work in progress. Ty Chandler is already on the IR, but Zavier Scott, who had been dealing with an ankle injury, should be active in Week 3. He’s only played in one game so far in this young season and was only used in special teams play. Akers has spent parts of three seasons with the Vikings and should be familiar with their offense. There’s a chance he could be activated off the practice squad in time for Week 3’s game, but as of now, it’s looking like Scott is Mason’s RB handcuff.

Cleveland Browns

Browns rookie RB Dylan Sampson turned some heads with his quick start to the NFL season in Week 1, but in Week 2, we finally got to see what all the hype surrounding Quinshon Judkins was all about. Despite missing the entire preseason, Judkins looks like he’s ready to take over as the Browns’ RB1. He led the team in carries and rushing yards. As long as Judkins is healthy and can avoid being suspended by the NFL, it appears that he’ll be the Browns’ lead back, and Sampson will be his RB handcuff. 

 

 

 

Washington Commanders

The Commanders lost what some refer to as the heart and soul of their backfield when Austin Ekeler (Achilles tear) suffered a season-ending injury. Rookie RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt will likely lead the Commanders' backfield moving forward. The Commanders’ usage of Croskey-Merritt has been a bit odd so far this season. He’s logged just 14 carries in his first two games, but did not start either of those games. Expect Jeremy McNichols to fill in as the Commanders’ third-down back and Croskey-Merritt’s RB handcuff. Chris Rodriguez, Jr. could also play some meaningful snaps in Week 3 as well, and may move up the Commanders’ RB depth chart should he perform well. Rodriguez Jr. was a healthy scratch in Week 1 and Week 2. The Commanders also signed veteran RB Chase Edmonds to their practice squad this week. This backfield is still largely in flux.

New York Giants

We’ll need to see how things play out over the next few weeks, but it does appear that Cam Skattebo has pulled ahead of Tyrone Tracy on the Giants’ RB depth chart. Skattebo’s role increased as the Giants’ Week 2 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys progressed. By the end of the game, Skattebo led Giants RBs in snaps, routes run, carries, and overall passion for the game. I made that last one up, but if you watch him play, you’ll know what I mean. Right now, it looks like Skattebo’s riding the up escalator and Tracy Jr. is moving in the opposite direction. Of course, if the Chiefs manhandle the Giants this week and get off to a big early lead, the Giants won’t be running the ball much in Week 3.