As Week 13 of the fantasy football season approaches, owners need to stay up to date on the current injury status of several impactful running backs, including Najee Harris, Michael Carter, Travis Etienne, and Raheem Mostert. These four RBs landed on their respective team's early-week injury reports, and their statuses have a significant impact on your start 'em, sit 'em decisions in a key fantasy week.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these running backs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 13 fantasy landscape. For updates on more ailing RBs, including Christian McCaffrey, Jaylen Warren, Joe Mixon, and Leonard Fournette, go here; for the latest on hurting WRs Mike Williams, Romeo Doubs, and Jerry Jeudy, click here; for more on injured QBs Justin Fields, Matthew Stafford, and Aaron Rodgers, go here.
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WEEK 13 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
Najee Harris injury update, Week 13 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Harris (oblique) plans to play on Sunday, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Harris had missed a second straight practice on Thursday, according to The Athletic's Mike DeFabo.
The second-year back exited Pittsburgh's Week 12 victory late in the first half and didn't return to game action. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport later reported that Harris "did not suffer a major injury, sources say. His status this week is "up in the air."
DNPs all week usually aren't the best sign for a young back's game availability, but it appears Harris really wants to suit up. If Mike Tomlin decides to play it safe and sit the second-year man, rookie RB Jaylen Warren would probably be in the mix as the lead interim replacement.
Warren did log a full practice after missing last week's game because of a hamstring issue. Warren in the lead role would profile as an RB2 in a plus matchup against a Falcons defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to RBs (21.9). Fellow RBs Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland Jr. would also likely play a role if Harris is ruled out. Even in a three-headed backfield, Warren is the RB to own and start this week should Harris fail to suit up.
WEEK 13 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Michael Carter injury update, Week 13 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Jets coach Robert Saleh said Friday that Carter is doubtful to play Sunday against the Vikings, according to the Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt.
Carter (ankle) had previously not been seen on the practice field during Thursday's session, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini, and had been logged a DNP by the Jets' official injury report to begin the practice week. Carter exited the Jets' Week 12 victory in the second half after sustaining the injury, ceding touches to rookie RB Zonovan Knight and Ty Johnson.
If Carter is indeed unable to suit up this week, expect Knight, Johnson, and potentially James Robinson to assume the backfield duties in a neutral matchup against the Vikings. Knight garners flex appeal given he has a chance to see the most touches, but Johnson and Robinson fall off the fantasy radar.
WEEK 13 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Travis Etienne injury update, Week 13 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Jaguars coach Doug Pederson says Etienne (foot) is "good to go" for Jacksonville's game vs. the Lions on Sunday, according to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. Etienne (foot) had previously logged limited sessions during the Jags' practices on Wednesday and Thursday.
The second-year back exited Jacksonville's Week 12 win over the Ravens in the second quarter and failing to return to game action. Etienne was cleared to go back into the game, but Jacksonville took a more cautious approach.
Great news for owners of Etienne, who remains a must-start in all formats should he get the green light to play. If he somehow ends up sitting out this Sunday, backup JaMychal Hasty would take his place as a must-start in a plus matchup against the Lions.
WEEK 13 DFS: Best values | Best stacks
Raheem Mostert injury update, Week 13 fantasy outlook
Mostert (knee) has been limited in practice all week and carries a questionable tag for Miami's Week 13 tilt with his old squad in San Francisco. Mostert missed Miami's Week 12 win over Houston but has a chance to suit up this Sunday.
WEEK 13 DFS LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel
Even if Mostert is active in Week 13, he's turned into a fairly risky fantasy option with fellow RB Jeff Wilson Jr. assuming a larger role in the offense. Additionally, Miami draws a tough matchup against a 49ers defense allowing the fewest FPPG to RBs (13.5). If the Dolphins fall behind early, they might be forced to air the football out a good deal. Should Mostert miss his second straight game, Wilson Jr. has even more upside.