Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, and Chris Carson were all absent last week, springing their respective handcuff RBs into starting roles. Their statuses heading into this week figure to shake up Week 6 fantasy RB rankings. We'll dive into their latest injury updates, and the prospects of each of their backups should the starters not be able to play.
For the latest on ailing pass-catchers Rob Gronkowski, Julio Jones, Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker, and Sterling Shepard, click here; for banged-up QBs Russell Wilson, Joe Burrow, and Daniel Jones click here; for more on injured pass-catchers Travis Kelce, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Kenny Golladay, click here; for updates on hurting RBs Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Saquon Barkley, and Damien Harris, go here. For all the latest fantasy news, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
WEEK 6 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Christian McCaffrey injury update
There was some serious noise and buzz that McCaffrey (hamstring) may return for the Panthers' Week 5 game vs. Philadelphia, but in the end, he was unable to go. That said, he's trending toward playing this week against a Vikings' defense that has looked much improved over the past two weeks (vs. Browns, vs Lions).
However, we still don't view Minnesota's defense in high regard, at least against RBs, and aren't shy about rankings CMC as our No. 1 RB in standard and PPR leagues this week if he plays. If he doesn't go, Chuba Hubbard is once again a solid RB2. Hubbard accumulated over 100 yards rushing and caught five passes for 33 yards last week, so we can expect him to get a full workload again. We'll have to monitor practice reports moving forward to have a clearer picture of McCaffrey's status.
WEEK 6 PPR RANKINGS:Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Dalvin Cook injury update
Cook (ankle) was inactive in Week 5, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him carry a "Q" tag into Week 6. With Alexander Mattison playing so well, it might be a smart move for Minnesota to let Cook take his time and heal. However, we'll have to monitor practice reports as it could go either way right now.
If Cook does play, he'll face a Panthers defense that has given up the third-fewest fantasy points to RBs this season. Their defensive front is stout, but we know Cook is, too, and he will get plenty of work. We rank him as our RB9 in PPR and in standard leagues.
MORE WEEK 6: Top waiver pickups | FAAB budget planner | Buy-low, sell-high
Chris Carson injury update
Carson missed Week 5 against the Rams because of a neck injury and Pete Carroll has said it's too early to tell if he'll play in Week 6. If he does return this week, he'll have the misfortune of going against a Steelers' defense that has been a top-five unit against fantasy RBs. Without Russell Wilson (finger) under center, it's tough to think Pittsburgh will respect their passing attack, and he could focus on shutting down the run.
Carson is our RB25 in PPR and in standard leagues based on volume. If he's out, Alex Collins will once again start and get of the RB touches.