RB Strength of Schedule
Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Robinson setup for big season
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| RB SOS | ||
| 1. | Green Bay Packers | 356.01 |
| 2. | Houston Texans | 361.46 |
| 3. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 361.46 |
| 4. | Las Vegas Raiders | 361.48 |
| 5. | Seattle Seahawks | 362.28 |
| 6. | Buffalo Bills | 363.19 |
| 7. | Arizona Cardinals | 363.76 |
| 8. | Dallas Cowboys | 363.9 |
| 9. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 364.51 |
| 10. | Washington Commanders | 364.86 |
| 11. | Chicago Bears | 364.89 |
| 12. | Indianapolis Colts | 365.41 |
| 13. | San Francisco 49ers | 365.86 |
| 14. | New Orleans Saints | 366.49 |
| 15. | New York Jets | 368.23 |
| 16. | Detroit Lions | 368.49 |
| 17. | Philadelphia Eagles | 369.05 |
| 18. | Minnesota Vikings | 369.06 |
| 19. | Carolina Panthers | 369.88 |
| 20. | Cleveland Browns | 370.34 |
| 21. | Kansas City Chiefs | 371.71 |
| 22. | New York Giants | 372.21 |
| 23. | Los Angeles Chargers | 373.19 |
| 24. | Denver Broncos | 373.32 |
| 25. | Cincinnati Bengals | 373.66 |
| 26. | Los Angeles Rams | 374.09 |
| 27. | Baltimore Ravens | 374.16 |
| 28. | New England Patriots | 375.60 |
| 29. | Atlanta Falcons | 376.19 |
| 30. | Miami Dolphins | 377.49 |
| 31. | Tennessee Titans | 378.2 |
| 32. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 378.72 |
The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.
The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.
The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.
Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.
The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.
The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.
Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.
The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.
Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
| RB PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | San Francisco 49ers | 291.43 |
| 2. | Washington Commanders | 325.2 |
| 3. | Houston Texans | 327.8 |
| 4. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 332.03 |
| 5. | New York Jets | 337.57 |
| 6. | Cleveland Browns | 340.8 |
| 7. | Las Vegas Raiders | 341.1 |
| 8. | Miami Dolphins | 348.27 |
| 9. | Chicago Bears | 350.37 |
| 10. | Buffalo Bills | 350.53 |
| 11. | Arizona Cardinals | 352.8 |
| 12. | Dallas Cowboys | 358.87 |
| 13. | Detroit Lions | 359.7 |
| 14. | New York Giants | 365.67 |
| 15. | Kansas City Chiefs | 366.53 |
| 16. | Green Bay Packers | 368.97 |
| 17. | Seattle Seahawks | 370.23 |
| 18. | Carolina Panthers | 377.15 |
| 19. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 378.37 |
| 20. | Los Angeles Chargers | 380.73 |
| 21. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 381 |
| 22. | Baltimore Ravens | 381.43 |
| 23. | Cincinnati Bengals | 383.50 |
| 24. | Philadelphia Eagles | 391.07 |
| 25. | New England Patriots | 397.95 |
| 26. | Indianapolis Colts | 398.40 |
| 27. | Denver Broncos | 399.53 |
| 28. | Tennessee Titans | 401.63 |
| 29. | Los Angeles Rams | 403.92 |
| 30. | New Orleans Saints | 406.33 |
| 31. | Minnesota Vikings | 407.87 |
| 32. | Atlanta Falcons | 422.4 |
There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.
And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.
Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.
One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.
Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.
So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.
Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.
The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Injury Status: Week 7
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Lineup Prep: Week 7
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Waivering: Week 7
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Weekly Bender: Not All Change is Good
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 7
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
- Week 7 TNF: Broncos-Saints Preview, Props, Prediction
- Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) returns to practice
- Bucs owners double hurricane-relief donation to $2M
- Billionaire Tom Gores buys 27 percent of Chargers, ends sibling squabble
- Steelers' Justin Fields takes blame; OC hints at divide in pending QB call
- Bills bring in competition for struggling K Tyler Bass
- Chargers, Steelers, Saints inquire about WR Mike Williams
- Titans to grant S Jamal Adams' request for release
- New part-owner Tom Brady visits Raiders' facility
- Soaring NFL ratings suffer second straight dip in Week 6
- Vikings LB Blake Cashman (turf toe) expected out vs. Lions
- Steelers RB Najee Harris (ribs) misses practice
- Chargers open practice window for WR DJ Chark
- Saints rule out Chris Olave for TNF; surgery for Rashid Shaheed
- Jets WR Davante Adams to make debut vs. Steelers
- Giants WR Malik Nabers edges closer to return as injuries hit NY
- Dan Campbell: Lions 'not done' shopping after Aidan Hutchinson injury
- Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks ready to practice
- NFL owners OK Jaguars' $1.4B stadium renovation
- RB Nick Chubb to Browns fans: 'I gotta pay ya back'
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 7 Defense Stream-O-Matic
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 7 | Make Way For Drake Maye
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Streamers Week 7 | Turn to Kobie Turner
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Running Back Depth Charts
- Fantasy Life: Anytime Touchdown Bets For Week: Ladder Kyren Williams TDs?
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Thursday Night Football: Saints vs. Broncos
- Fantasy Life: Week 7 Guillotine Leagues Game Plan: Start Kirk Cousins
- Fantasy Life: Thursday Night Football, Broncos at Saints
- Fantasy Life: A Truly Bizarre Situation in Cleveland
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Buy, Sell, Hold: Go Get David Njoku
The Paur Report
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (collarbone) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as it will likely clarify his status heading into the weekend. The 24-year-old enjoyed his best outing of the campaign last week as he caught a season-high six passes for 51 yards en route to defeating the New York Jets. If Kincaid were to miss Sunday's game, fantasy managers should expect wideouts Khalil Shakir and newly acquired Amari Cooper to see increased opportunities. In addition, No. 2 tight end Dawson Knox will likely see more snaps. If Kincaid can play, he should be locked into all lineups as a low-end TE1.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (toe) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session, according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. This is a great sign for the 25-year-old, who was sidelined during Week 6 and limited during Wednesday's practice. Fantasy managers should monitor his status on Friday's injury report, but seeing him return to full participation on Thursday suggests he should be ready to return to action this weekend. No.2 running back Ray Davis (calf) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice, which could set Cook up for increased opportunities on Sunday if he cannot play against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (knee) was placed on the injured reserve on Thursday, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Shaheed is set to undergo meniscus surgery and will now have to miss at least the next four games. However, given the potential extended recovery period due to the operation, the 26-year-old could be sidelined for a longer period. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his progression, as he would be eligible to return during Week 11. Shaheed enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign, scoring at least 15.0 PPR points in four of the six games he played. With Shaheed and Chris Olave (concussion) ruled out on Thursday evening, rookie Bub Means will likely lead the New Orleans passing attack.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis (calf) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This was surprising as the Kentucky product did not face any limitations during Wednesday's initial practice session. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's report as it should clarify his status heading into the weekend. Last week, with James Cook (toe) sitting out, Davis took the lead role in the backfield and performed very well, totaling 97 yards on the ground with an additional 55 through the air. If Davis remains sidelined, Cook should be expected to play the top role. If Davis can suit up, both may limit each other's opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (groin) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Kraft dealt with a groin injury during practice last week but managed to suit up for the Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals while playing 81% of the offensive snaps. The 23-year-old disappointed fantasy managers looking for a second straight big performance, as he caught just two of his four targets for a season-low 13 yards. Kraft scored three total touchdowns the previous two games, but this is a reminder that he's a volatile low-end TE1 for fantasy managers in an offense with a lot of mouths to feed through the air as long as Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks are all healthy. Barring a setback, Kraft should be active this Sunday against the Houston Texans.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receivers Jayden Reed (ankle), Christian Watson (ankle) and Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) were all limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Reed and Wicks suffered injuries in the Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals, while Watson returned last Sunday after missing one game due to an ankle sprain. The fact that all three are practicing this week is a good sign that they'll be available this weekend against the Houston Texans. Of the trio of wideouts, Reed is the best fantasy option and enters Week 7 action as the WR3 in half-PPR scoring with 27 catches for 442 yards and three TDs while adding 110 rushing yards and an additional score. Assuming all three play against Houston, Reed will be a must-start in fantasy, while Watson and Wicks are more of boom/bust WR4/flex options.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers LB Claudin Cherelus (hamstring), LB Josey Jewell (hamstring, groin), WR Diontae Johnson (ankle), OT Taylor Moton (elbow), LB Jon Rhattigan (knee, illness), DE A'Shawn Robinson (knee), RB Jonathon Brooks (knee) and LB Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder) did not practice on Thursday, Oct. 17. WR David Moore (knee), DE LaBryan Ray (ankle, knee), S Nick Scott (hamstring), OT Ikem Ekwonu (elbow), LB Marquis Haynes (back) and TE Ian Thomas (hip) were limited. CB Troy Hill (rest), RB Chuba Hubbard (rest), C Andrew Raym (concussion), TE Tommy Tremble (concussion), CB Dane Jackson (hamstring), DT Jaden Crumedy (ankle), S Sam Franklin (foot) and OT Yosh Nijman (knee) practiced in full.
From TheHuddle
After missing the first practice session of the week on Wednesday, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (ribs) looked fine in his return to practice on Thursday due to a rib issue. With Harris returning to practice on Thursday, he should be on track to suit up for Sunday night's showdown against the visiting New York Jets. The 26-year-old has had more of the backfield to himself this year with Jaylen Warren missing a few games with a knee injury, although mobile quarterback Justin Fields has taken away valuable red-zone opportunities on the ground. The expected move to Russell Wilson under center this weekend should be a good thing for Harris' fantasy upside, although the Steelers could mix in Fields in packages as a runner. Until we have a better read on the situation, treat Harris as a low-end RB2/high-end RB3/flex against the Jets.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) is not practicing on Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice with a foot injury. His lack of practice early in the week suggests he could be trending toward missing the Week 7 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. He sat out last week's showdown against the Houston Texans. Backup Antonio Gibson could draw another start, and despite his lack of success against Houston in Week 6, he will have a favorable matchup against the Jaguars defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to RBs.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) did not practice on Thursday following his limited practice session on Wednesday. The rookie out of Texas had his practice window opened this week, but the belief is he will not make his NFL debut on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Brooks is coming off a torn ACL, and with the Panthers sitting a 1-5 through Week 6, there's no reason to rush him into action. Additionally, Chuba Hubbard has been excellent in the RB1 role, so the team isn't in dire need of running back production. Fantasy managers should follow his status through the rest of the week, but a Week 8 or Week 9 return seems more realistic for the first RB taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is back at practice on Thursday after logging a limited session on Wednesday with a knee injury. He missed the Week 6 game against the Baltimore Ravens. The third-year back out of Alabama has been excellent to start the season, scoring at least 13.8 half-PPR fantasy points in four of his five games. If Robinson does not suffer a setback, he could be in a smash spot against the Carolina Panthers, who have surrendered the most fantasy points per game to running backs. If he's out, Austin Ekeler has RB1 upside. However, Ekeler could be worth a flex spot even if Robinson returns. Fantasy managers with Robinson or Ekeler should monitor Robinson's status on Friday heading into Week 7 start-or-sit calls.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (concussion) is practicing without a non-contact jersey on Thursday, suggesting he is logging a full practice. The second-year ball carrier out of Texas A&M practiced in full on Wednesday, so all signs are pointing toward him being available in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. Achane has not scored more than 7.3 half-PPR fantasy points in any of the three games without Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), and he exited the Week 5 game against the New England Patriots with a concussion. However, the Colts rank 31st in rushing yards allowed per game (155.2), so Achane can be slotted in as an RB2 or RB3 in fantasy for Week 7. That said, his ceiling and floor are limited until Tagovailoa comes back.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs Rachaad White (foot), Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker could be set to work in a pure three-man committee, which will make fantasy football start-or-sit decisions tough for the three talented backs. Head coach Todd Bowles said the team will go with the "hot hand" approach on Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens. Needless to say, this is a tricky situation to navigate, but it sounds like White is trending toward playing in Week 7 after missing Week 6 with a foot injury. While all three backs have had their moments this year, the Ravens have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to RBs, meaning each ball carrier should be downgraded in the rankings this week. Their usage should be closely monitored on Monday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is not practicing on Thursday due to an ankle injury. The 28-year-old also missed Wednesday's practice, so his status could legitimately be in doubt for the Week 7 game against the Washington Commanders. Johnson has also been in the middle of trade rumors, so his situation is worth monitoring. The former Pittsburgh Steeler got out to a slow start in his Carolina career, but he has been excellent since Andy Dalton took over the starting quarterback duties from Bryce Young. Johnson has scored at least 19.8 PPR fantasy points in three of his four games with Dalton under center, and the Commanders have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. That said, Johnson is a must-start if active. If he's not, rookie Xavier Legette has at least WR3 upside in the favorable matchup.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (leg) is not practicing on Thursday to begin Week 7 preparation. The team faces the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, so Evans' status will be worth monitoring ahead of a potential late-week start-or-sit decision. As he often is, Evans has been up and down this season. Overall, the 31-year-old has hauled in 25 of his 42 targets for 310 yards and five touchdowns. However, he has three games of under 45 yards. The Ravens have allowed the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers this year, so he could be in for a big spike week if he plays. If not, Chris Godwin has legitimate WR1 overall upside, while Jalen McMillan and tight end Cade Otton could become viable options at flex and TE.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) was not seen on the field at Thursday's practice and has not practiced or played since suffering a right high-ankle sprain in Week 4. Taylor said that he was unsure if he would practice at all again this week, making it more likely that he'll miss a third straight contest in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. He still has one more day on Friday to return to practice, but as of right now, fantasy managers shouldn't be confident in Taylor suiting up on Sunday. The good news for the Colts is that Trey Sermon (knee), who has been the lead back the last two games with Taylor out, returned to practice after being a DNP on Wednesday. If Taylor misses another contest, the Colts give Tyler Goodson a bigger share of the backfield touches if Sermon ends up playing.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (leg) did not practice on Thursday, Oct. 17, due to a leg injury, according to head coach Todd Bowles.
Fantasy Spin: Bowles also noted that Evans recently "tweaked" something in his leg that had been "nagging." For what it is worth, Bowles told reporters that Evans is expected back at practice later in the week. Evans' availability takes on added importance because the Buccaneers host the Baltimore Ravens in one of the two Monday night games this week. Evans has rarely missed games throughout his career, so he will likely be good to go for Week 7. In the off-chance he cannot play, Jalen McMillan would likely step into a much larger role.
From TheHuddle
For the second straight day, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (toe) got some work in at practice on Thursday. Cook was also limited on Wednesday for the team's walkthrough after he missed Monday night's victory over the division-rival New York Jets. With the 25-year-old's status still unclear for Week 7 this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, Ray Davis was a popular waiver-wire pickup after impressing in the lead role in Week 6. The 24-year-old saw 20 carries for 97 rushing yards and caught all three of his targets for an additional 55 yards through the air. Cook will be Buffalo's lead back whenever he returns, but if he misses another game this weekend, Davis will basically be a must-start for fantasy managers after showing out on Monday night.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) are both practicing on Thursday after picking up DNP tags on Wednesday. Pittman and Downs both missed two practices last week and were up in the air to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans, but they both suited up and found the end zone. Pittman said after Sunday's win that he could still land on Injured Reserve due to his back injury, but the fact he's practicing on Thursday this week is a good sign that he'll be ready to roll this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. However, Pittman played a season-low 80% of the offensive snaps last week and caught just three passes for 35 yards. With quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) looking likely to return this weekend, the bust potential for both Pittman and Downs will increase.
From RotoBaller
After not practicing on Wednesday, Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon (knee) returned for Thursday's session. Sermon has operated as Indy's lead back the past two weeks with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) nursing a high-ankle sprain, and he could have that role again if Taylor is unable to return to practice this week. The 25-year-old found the end zone in Week 5 but accumulated only 67 rushing yards on 28 carries (2.39 yards per carry) in the starting role the last two weeks. The Colts' backfield is up in the air right now with Sermon and Taylor both being questionable to play. If neither of them can go, look for the Colts to split the backfield work between Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull. If Sermon plays again and Taylor doesn't he'll be an RB3/flex, at best, for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
