Week 5 RB Injury Updates: Benson, Parker, Barber, Bradshaw, and More

About to hop on the phone for my weekly fantasy football radio spot, but wanted to provide some quick injury updates on the running backs.

My apologies in advance for any typos…did not have time to proofread.

Here ya go:

Cedric Benson injury update – did not participate in Thursday’s practice (hip).

Despite not practicing yet this week, Cedric Benson insists he is okay and will play on Sunday. Personally, I think he’s having flashbacks to last season’s 10-carry, 17-yard performance and contemplating doing anything he has to do to avoid facing the Ravens’ D.

I’ve already declared Cedric Benson a “sit” for this week, and think there are probably 25-30 backs who will produce more points than Benson will. I have zero faith in his ability to get tough yards against the Ravens. But, from a health perspective, he appears safe to play if you have no better options.

Jamal Lewis injury update – limited participation in Thursday’s practice (hamstring).

Jamal Lewis is still limited in practice and there has been no indication either way regarding his status for Sunday. Regardless, sit him. Jerome Harrison is the guy in Cleveland right now and I’d want to see how the carries get divvied up before I throw Lewis back in there.

Jonathan Stewart injury update – limited participation in Thursday’s practice (Achilles).

Stewart owners have to be getting sick of his constant injuries already. I’d sit him this week as it looks like Deangelo Williams will get most of the carries.

Willie Parker injury update – did not participate in Thursday’s practice (toe).

Willie Parker still has not practiced this week, and will most likely cede the starting role to Rashard Mendenhall for the second straight week. It will be interesting, however, to see what happens when Parker returns — especially if Mendenhall has another great game this week.

OC Bruce Arians has already come out and said that Parker is the starter because he is a “proven commodity.” Keep an eye on this situation moving forward, as another strong day from Mendenhall could turn it into a rotation situation like Carolina last year and Miami this year.

Kevin Smith injury update – full participation in Thursday’s practice (shoulder)

He’s fine. He played last week and scored two TDs, although the 30 yards on 19 carries is a little disconcerting, as is the matchup with Pittsburgh this week.  Still, play him.

Felix Jones injury update – did not participate in Thursday’s practice (knee)

Felix Jones has not practiced this week and won’t play Sunday.  The Cowboys have their bye week next Sunday, and Jones is targeting a return the following week. 

I know that Jones’ injury woes are frustrating, but don’t drop him. There is too much potential in those speedy legs. I have him in all six of my leagues and have not dropped in any.

Marion Barber injury update – full participation Thursday’s practice (thigh)

Marion Barber is back and ready to go Sunday. Temper your expectations for Tashard Choice, as Barber appears poised to resume his role as feature back for the Cowboys.

Darren McFadden injury update – did not participate in Thursday’s practice and is OUT (knee)

What a disappointment. So many high hopes for McFadden, yet he’s quickly fading into fantasy irrelevancy. After his recent knee surgery, which is expected to keep him out 2-4 weeks, McFadden was dropped by a lot of people — including me. Until this guys shows he can run effectively without fumbling, there is no justification for starting him or even having him on your roster.

Ahmad Bradshaw injury update – did not participate in Thursday’s practice (ankle)

Don’t be alarmed. Bradshaw didn’t practice on Wednesday and Thursday of last week either, but still played his usual role against Kansas City. I expect Bradshaw to play, and play well, this Sunday. If you’re looking a bye week fill-in, Bradshaw could have pretty good flex value and has a good chance to notch his first TD of the season. And if Eli Manning doesn’t play, the Giants will rely on their run game even more than normal.

Brian Westbrook injury update – full participation in Thursday’s practice (ankle)

He’s back, and poised for a big day against the lowly Bucs. The Eagles will likely give some carries to McCoy, as they want to keep Brian Westbrook fresh all season, but consider him a top-10 back this weekend and moving forward…whenever he’s healthy.

Correll Buckhalter injury update – did not participate in Thursday’s practice (ankle)

The guy who used to benefit from Westbrook’s absences is now ceding full-time carries to Knowshon Moreno in Denver. Correll Buckhalter, who has been surprisingly startable this season, has been on crutches all week and is most likely out for this weekend’s tilt with New England. He’ll still value upon his return, however, so don’t drop him just yet.

Joseph Addai injury update – limited participation in Thursday’s practice (hand)

He should be fine. Expect the usual. It’ll be a coin flip as to whether Addai or rookie Donald Brown has more value this week.

Tags: injury updates, NFL

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