Rico Dowdle hit a major roadblock for Week 3, missing practice Wednesday and showing up in a walking boot. That’s a gut punch for Dowdle’s status against Cincinnati, but it screams opportunity for Jaylen Warren to explode onto the fantasy scene. With Dowdle likely out, Warren is now lined up for a full workload, making him a solid No. 2 Fantasy running back in all leagues this week. Yeah, the Bengals defense isn’t exactly a walk in the park; they’ve been tough on other backs, limiting one duo to just 14 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown in two games. But Warren could do damage in the passing game, much like some of those other guys did. This isn’t just a sneaky play, this is the main event for anyone needing a running back boost.
Injury Chaos Rocks Backfields Everywhere
Look, it’s Week 3 and the injury bug is already feasting on running backs. We saw Saquon Barkley (shoulder), Jadarian Price (shoulder), J.K. Dobbins (hamstring), and Rico Dowdle (toe) all limping off the field in Week 2. That’s a brutal list, and it means fantasy managers are scrambling, checking every single update like their season depends on it. Because it does! If Barkley sits out Week 3 against Chicago, you’re looking at Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley stepping up as flex options. Not ideal, but you gotta play the hand you’re dealt. Same deal with Price: if he’s a no-go for the Washington game, Emanuel Wilson suddenly becomes a flex play. The Broncos’ backfield is an absolute mess too. Dobbins might practice, which is *something*, but we don’t know about RJ Harvey, who missed Week 2. And now Jonah Coleman is banged up with an ankle issue heading into the Rams game. It’s a full-on scramble out there, folks. Get ready to dive deep into your benches for backup running backs.
Aaron Jones Steps Up for the Vikings
Shifting gears to another backfield situation, Aaron Jones for the Vikings is another guy you need to pay attention to. In his first game without Jordan Mason, who’s out with a thumb injury, Jones absolutely balled out in Week 2 against Chicago. He ripped off 105 yards on 23 carries and played a massive 81 percent of the snaps. That kind of usage is gold, even if he didn’t get any targets that game. Now, Kyler Murray is back at quarterback for the Vikings, and that could change things up a bit. The matchup against Tampa Bay’s run defense isn’t easy; they shut down another duo to a combined 28 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown, plus only 10 catches for 49 yards. But with that expected high usage, Jones is locked in as a No. 2 Fantasy running back in all leagues. You’re starting him, no question.
This week is all about staying on top of those injury reports, because these running back situations are swinging wildly. Keep an eye on the official word for Dowdle and the rest of these guys. Every snap, every carry, it all counts in Week 3, so make sure your squad is ready to roll.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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