Running back non-PPR rankings for Week 12 fantasy football

Final injury report

The biggest injury news of the day comes out of Atlanta with Todd Gurley ruled out for Sunday’s contest against the Raiders. Brian Hill is likely to lead the pack against the Las Vegas defense that ranks fourth in fantasy points allowed to RBs on the 2020 season.

Salvon Ahmed was ruled out, leaving Miami’s rushing attack up in the air. The Dolphins offense is riddled with injury between rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa, WR Preston Williams and now the backfield. Myles Gaskin, who has been designated to return from IR following a knee injury. Gaskin averaged 20 touches for nearly 90 scrimmage yards per game in his five starts with the team.

Christian McCaffrey was listed as questionable, though coach Matt Rhule indicated that he is pessimistic that he’ll be ready to suit up in Week 12.

Tevin Coleman has once again been ruled out with a knee injury suffered in Week 8. The backfield in San Francisco remains a question mark, as RB Raheem Mostert was designated to practice but has yet to be formally activated from IR. If he’s activated ahead of Sunday’s game, he’s likely to see lead back duties. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, he’ll be a risky play regardless considering that they face a stingy Rams run defense.

Kalen Ballage has been limited with calf and ankle injuries but appears to be trending in the right direction for Sunday.

Though Giovani Bernard was able to practice this week, he’ll need to clear the concussion protocol before Sunday in order to be active. If he does, he’s a full go and a fine start against the Giants in PPR leagues. If not Samaje Perine is next up and a risky play in season-long leagues.

Out: Todd Gurley (knee), Salvon Ahmed (shoulder), Ty Montgomery (hamstring), Tevin Coleman (knee)
Doubtful: N/A
Questionable: Christian McCaffrey (shoulder), Tyler Ervin (wrist/ribs), Dare Ogunbowale (hand), Kalen Ballage (ankle, calf), Giovani Bernard (concussion)

Thursday’s Ravens vs. Steelers Update

The Ravens have continued to have positive tests trickle in following the postponement of the Ravens vs. Steelers game from Thursday to Sunday. It’s getting difficult to imagine this game will be played — at least on Sunday. A postponement of the game to a later date could be a positive thing for the Ravens RB corps, who planned to be without J.K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram, who both tested positive this week. Fantasy managers were most likely not counting on Gus Edwards anyhow, but James Conner managers should be making contingency plans.

Wednesday injury report

Though Christian McCaffrey got in a limited practice Wednesday, the Panthers have officially ruled him out for Week 11. The return to practice is encouraging for his status in Week 12.

Alvin Kamara has been managing a foot injury over the last few weeks and was listed as limited Wednesday. He was good to play in Week 11 despite his questionable status, so by all accounts, he should be good to go in Week 12. It’s worth noting that Kamara played a season-low 48% of offensive snaps.

Tevin Coleman got in a limited practice session Wednesday, and soon, the rest of the running backs room will join him. The 49ers have designated Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. to return to practice, indicating they’ll plan to activate the two within the next 21 days.

David Montgomery has cleared the concussion protocol and will be a full-go against the Packers on Sunday Night Football. The Packers are allowing 28 fantasy points per game to the running back position; if there’s any time to start Montgomery, it should theoretically be in Week 13 as he returns healthy.

Todd Gurley didn’t practice Wednesday, but given his injury history, it’s probably a management day for the vet.

Dolphins RB Salvon Ahmed’s Wednesday’s absence is certainly worth noting. Ahmed exited Week 11’s contest in the first quarter with a shoulder injury but reentered the game. It’s a situation worth monitoring. Matt Breida was back in the lineup for Week 11, and Myles Gaskin was designated for return, so Ahmed’s fantasy relevance might be short-lived.

DNP: Todd Gurley (knee), Salvon Ahmed (shoulder), Gio Bernard (concussion)
Limited: Christian McCaffrey (shoulder), Tyler Ervin (wrist, ribs), Kalen Ballage (ankle, calf), Alvin Kamara (foot), Tevin Coleman (knee)
Full: David Montgomery (concussion)

Fantasy managers were pretty happy with their early round picks in Week 11. Derrick Henry, Dalvin Cook, Nick Chubb and Ezekiel Elliott all rushed for 100 yards and a score.

Rookie managers were happy too, as Colts RB Jonathan Taylor saw the second-highest touch total so far on the season. The Kansas City Chiefs took a turn back towards their rookie back, too, as Clyde Edwards-Helaire surpassed 10 carries for the first time since Week 6.

Injury news

Rex Burkhead went down with an ACL tear that will hold him out for the duration of the NFL season. This could mean increased work for Damien Harris in the end zone, though fantasy managers should be weary of Sony Michel’s potential return to the active lineup this week.

Jets running back La’Michal Perine went down with an ankle sprain and was formally placed on injured reserve to be out at least three weeks.

D’Andre Swift hasn’t yet practiced after his appearance in the concussion protocol. The Lions are on a short week with their Thanksgiving contest.

Christian McCaffrey has yet to be ruled out for Week 12, but reports are encouraging that he could be back to practice on Wednesday.

Streaming options

Latavius Murray, New Orleans Saints

The Saints have quietly been putting Latavius Murray to work, as he’s averaged nearly 12 touches for 55 scrimmage yards per game on the season. Now, under Taysom Hill, the Saints will face the Denver Broncos on the road. Since Week 7, the Broncos have allowed 119.2 rushing yards and 1.2 touchdowns per game while leading the league in broken tackles allowed. It could be the perfect recipe for success if you’re in need of a flex play

Kalen Ballage, Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers say that Austin Ekeler could be designated for return this week, but it’s unclear whether or not he’ll be active for the team’s outing against the Bills. Ahead of their bye, the Bills allowed Kenyan Drake and Chase Edmonds to combine for 156 rushing yards, and though they were scoreless, they have allowed an average of 0.9 TDs per game on the season. This may be the last usage we get out of the journeyman, who’s led the running backs in rush attempts, targets and red zone carries since Justin Jackson was placed on the IR.