In a season that could also be marred by unexpected absences due to COVID-19, backup running backs could prove more important than ever. Any RB that gets pressed into duty is a waiver-wire priority, so if you have them rostered ahead of time, that can make all the difference between a playoff appearance and the consolation bracket.
This season, we’ve gone two backups deep (and sometimes three) on our handcuff chart, expecting that occasionally there will be more shakeup to depth charts on short notice than there has been in the past. As always, we’ll update this page throughout the season, so it should remain a resource to you from draft day right through your fantasy football championship.
2020 Fantasy RB Handcuffs
1 = Carolina’s Christian McCaffrey (quad) is out until at least Week 17. He will be the starter when healthy.
2 = Cincinnati’s Joe Mixon (foot) is out until at least Week 17. He will be the starter when healthy.
3 = Kansas City’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire (hip/leg) is out until at least Week 17. He will split carries with Le’Veon Bell when healthy.
4 = The Rams’ Cam Akers (ankle) is out until at least Week 17. He will be the starter when healthy.
5 = New England’s Damien Harris (ankle) is out until at least Week 16. He will be the starter when healthy.
6 = The Giants’ Devonta Freeman (COVID) is out until at least Week 16. He will likely be in a committee with Wayne Gallman when he returns.
7 = The Jets’ La’Mical Perine (ankle) is out until at least Week 16. He will likely be in a committee with Frank Gore when he returns.
8 = Tampa Bay’s Ronald Jones (finger, COVID) is out until at least Week 17. He will be the starter when healthy.
9 = Washington’s Antonio Gibson (toe) is out until at least Week 16. He will be the starter when healthy.
