Running backs have had a hard time staying on the field this year as all GMs have been scrambling on a weekly basis to fill out rosters and lineups.  It has been chaotic to say the least when it comes to the vulnerability at that position more than others. The waiver wire likely has few options left but you should be aggressively putting in bids for backups and replacements who are going to see playing time in the near future.  So without any further ado, let’s delve into the next edition of the 2018 fantasy football emergency room.

Melvin Gordon (RB-LAC)

The Chargers were without star running back Melvin Gordon for their game in London this weekend against Tennessee as he is suffering from a hamstring injury.  This was a big loss for fantasy GMs who have benefited from his 466 yards rushing with six touchdowns along with 30 catches for 279 yards and three touchdowns.  Los Angeles has a bye this coming week so Gordon should have plenty of time to rest and recover in time to be back for Week 9.

Rob Gronkowski (TE-NE)

Gronkowski did not play this past Sunday against the Bears due to a back injury.  He was suffering from spasms last Friday which cost him Week 7 but it is not believed to be serious enough to jeopardize his Week 8 matchup against the Bills.  We all know about Gronkowski’s injury history and the Patriots have fared just fine in the many games that he has missed over the years. New England should have a cake walk next Monday night against Buffalo so they do not need to rush Gronkowski back if he isn’t ready to go by next weekend.  

Sony Michel (RB-NE)

Rookie Sony Michel suffered a knee injury this past weekend against Chicago but the good news is that he did not suffer any structural damage.  He is considered week-to-week at this point and will have an extra day of rest since the Patriots play next Monday night. Michel has 422 yards rushing with four touchdowns thus far, but with an easy matchup against the hapless Bills upcoming it is quite possible that the Patriots keep Michel inactive to allow him sufficient time to recover.  If he is out next week, then James White becomes a must-start.

Matt Breida (RB-SF)

Fantasy GMs appreciated the courage of Matt Breida to play through his ankle injury, but it may have cost him some upcoming games.  He re-aggravated his ankle injury early in the game against the Rams and then limped off the field again before halftime. Breida likely needs extended rest for the injury which means that Raheem Mostert should continue to get opportunities to play making him a viable RB2 consideration.  

LeSean McCoy (RB-BUF)

It has been an abysmal season for Buffalo and they hit another low in their blowout loss to Indianapolis on Sunday.  During the game, LeSean McCoy suffered a head injury and was taken out of the game in the first quarter. He only has 244 yards rushing with no touchdowns on the season and can barely be considered a starting option in any league format.  His status for Week 8 is in jeopardy in what should be another blowout loss to the surging Patriots. Chris Ivory would assume primary backfield duties if McCoy is unable to play next week.

Marshawn Lynch (RB-OAK)

Beast Mode is now in shut down mode as the Raiders placed Marshawn Lynch on injured reserve with a groin injury.  He will not be eligible to return until Week 16 but there is no indication the Raiders will bring him back given the state of the franchise as they dismantle the roster and look to rebuild.  Lynch can be dropped safely in all leagues as Oakland turns to Doug Martin and Jalen Richard to assume backfield duties.

Dalvin Cook (RB-MIN)

Cook missed this past week’s game against the Jets with his lingering hamstring injury that has limited him to parts of three games this year.  Latavius Murray once again stepped in and had a productive day filling in for Cook who remains an albatross on fantasy rosters due to his injuries and inconsistent play.  Monitor his progress during the week but be aware that the Vikings play next Sunday night against the Saints so roster decisions will have to be made possibly before we find out if Cook can play.  He is a RB2 or Flex option at best, but you should already have alternate plans in place by assuming he won’t play.

Royce Freeman (RB-DEN)

Denver rookie running back Royce Freeman is dealing with an ankle injury and is considered day-to-day at this point.  He will undergo an MRI so we should have more clarity on the situation during the week. Freeman has rushed for 309 yards and four touchdowns thus far but is nothing more than a RB2 option in deeper leagues due to the emergence of Phillip Lindsay .

Keke Coutee (WR-HOU)

Texans wide receiver Keke Coutee aggravated his hamstring injury on Sunday against Jacksonville and was taken out of the game.  This injury will also likely cost him this Thursday’s game against Miami because there just is not enough time for him to recover.  Coutee has 21 catches for 196 yards and one touchdown on the year as Houston’s third receiver. He is barely a WR4 thanks in large part to Deshaun Watson ’s struggles for most of the season.

Bilal Powell (RB-NYJ)

Powell was taken out of the Jets game against Minnesota on Sunday with a neck injury and did not return.  He has rushed for 343 yards and no touchdowns as a change of pace with Isaiah Crowell , and he would only be a viable fantasy option if you are desperate for a body in the RB2 or Flex spot.  Powell’s status for Week 8 is unknown so check back later in the week for further updates.

Kenny Stills (WR-MIA)

Miami will be very shorthanded at wide receiver this Thursday night as Kenny Stills has already been ruled out due to a groin injury.  Stills has 16 catches for 281 yards and four touchdowns on the season, and with this current injury and potential extended absence he is not worth holding onto in deep fantasy leagues.  

Albert Wilson (WR-MIA)

In furtherance of the statement that Miami will be shorthanded at wide receiver this week, Albert Wilson will also be out for a few weeks with a hip injury.  He is expected to see a specialist to help determine the extent of the injury and could be placed on injured reserve once the results are known. Wilson has been explosive this year with 26 catches for 391 yards and four touchdowns.  However, given this injury he can now be dropped in all leagues.

Josh Rosen (QB-ARZ)

Cardinals rookie quarterback Josh Rosen did not practice on Monday due to a toe injury.  He should have plenty of time to get ready for Sunday’s matchup against the 49ers. Rosen has not been overly impressive throwing for just 820 yards with three touchdowns and five interceptions.  He would only be an option this week in two-quarterback leagues where you were desperate for a replacement due to a bye.

Kwon Alexander (LB-TB)

Kwon Alexander has been one of the better IDP options over the past few years with his penchant for racking up tackles.  He already registered 45 tackles along with one sack and two forced fumbles thus far, but now his season is over after he suffered a torn ACL this past weekend against Cleveland.  Alexander can be dropped in all IDP leagues.