Injuries. I bet many fantasy owners are waiting for this season to end so they don’t have to worry about lineups being decimated by injured players. This week is no different. The wide receiver position looks to be fine, but there are one or two players listed as questionable. The running backs, however, are suffering from some serious injuries.
With some superstar running backs limited in practice, fantasy owners are looking to the waiver wire for a last-minute replacement. Here are the three major running backs who are injured and their status for Week 15.
Adrian Peterson: Peterson left last week’s game in the middle of the second quarter with a foot injury. He has been unable to practice all week and is listed as questionable. However, Peterson’s questionable is a lot different than another running back’s questionable. Backup Toby Gerhart is also questionable with a hamstring injury. Head coach Leslie Frazier said Peterson looked far better than anticipated, and he will most likely be a game-time decision. The matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles isn’t the best matchup for running backs. With the Minnesota Vikings record, Peterson could also be shut down for the season. So, if you own Peterson keep tabs on his status all the way until Sunday afternoon.
Reggie Bush: Bush was set to play against the Eagles last week, but he re-injured his calf in the pregame warmups. While he did not practice Thursday, he was limited on Friday and is expected to play in Week 15. His status in Saturday’s practice will be the tell-tale sign if Bush is good to go. The Baltimore Ravens are the fourth-best rush defense even with all of the departures in the offseason. The Detroit Lions control their own fate to win the NFC North, and Bush is an important part of their offense. He is more likely to play than Peterson but is still worth keeping an eye on heading into Sunday.
Maurice Jones-Drew: The Jacksonville Jaguars are on a three-game winning streak with a lot of help from Jones-Drew. He has 43 fantasy points over the last three games. Unfortunately, the Jaguars could be without MJD heading into Week 15. He is dealing with a hamstring injury and is listed as doubtful. He is unlikely to play against the Buffalo Bills making Jordan Todman a nice sleeper this week. The Bills allow 15 fantasy points to opposing running backs. Jones-Drew says he’ll play, but you should have a viable backup just in case.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy football writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Mr_Piv1127.