Once again, we know how important it is to keep up to date on injured running backs, especially since many of these guys will be picked in the earlier rounds.
Never fear, as we check out the medical charts on a couple dozen injured running backs.
You should also understand that you don’t always have to avoid injured running backs, especially since there are so many that end up getting injured in-season. if you are an athlete and have suffered an injury to your hand or wrist then you need to get in touch with an orthopedic surgeon immediately so that the problem doesn’t get worse. If you live in the state of New York and are in need of a surgeon, then it may be in your best interests to contact someone like Dr Mark Pruzansky for further help and support.
But it’s paramount you know which injuries are considered serious enough to avoid until late in your draft. Injuries are extremely serious as you may need to take legal action and need an attorney for your injuries. If you do then you will probably want to check out a professional personal injury law firm after reading this article.
Injured Running Backs for 2013
We looked at injured quarterbacks last week, and we’ll take a peek at injured wide receivers and tight ends later this month. But here are the injured running backs you should watch over the summer before drafting.
Trent Richardson, RB, Cleveland
Two contradictory statements need to be said here. First, this player was on the injury report every single week last year – yes, every game. Second, he played in all but one of those games — the meaningless last game of the season.
This sophomore is a stud, but if you draft him, be prepared to be at your computer every Sunday morning reading injury updates. This guy is a horse and sooner or later that will bring him down, but don’t expect it in his first couple years though.
Jahvid Best, RB, Detroit
Not a lot needs to be said, this guy has SERIOUS concussion problems. Along with Austin Collie, this guy is more likely to retire than play again, if you ask me.
Ryan Williams, RB, Arizona
This Cardinal running back is a potential star in the making. He is dealing with some shoulder issues, though. With that said, he has had injury problems throughout his short career.
He had shoulder surgery for his left shoulder near the end of last season and should be ready when training camp begins. This is a high-risk/high-reward situation, and if you want to take this risk, I would advise grabbing his handcuff, Rashard Mendenhall, Andre Ellington, or whoever it may be. He was on the IR all of his rookie season and was injured for half of last year, so if you’re feeling risky go for it.
Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis
Brown is a disappointing Fantasy player. We were all so high on him last year, but he was always injured and could never get it going. A high ankle sprain put Brown on the IR last year and to be honest, it’s hard to trust him. He may fly as a fourth back for most Fantasy teams, but it’s just tough to judge if there’s value with that or a wasted pick.
Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville
Maurice Jones-Drew isn’t holding out, but he is working his way back from a Lisfranc injury.
Drew missed the majority of last season with the dreaded Lisfranc injury. Don’t be hesitant to take him — he might even be good value because he will be drafted outside of his usual top five RB spots. Ride this horse ‘til he falls.
Daniel Thomas, RB, Miami
The Dolphins want to make Thomas their main back. This is probably a poor decision from one of the sorriest organizations in sports. He has had an injury bitten career, but I look forward to seeing what he can do with the majority of the carries, although many believe Lamar Miller will end up as the top tailback there. Thomas is just another injured back with knee problems, but expect him to get about 200 carries this year — if he can stay healthy.
Knowshon Moreno, Denver
Who’s to know if this underwhelming back will get cut from the Broncos or be the starter, but be aware of his injury history. In this young man’s short career, he’s been on the injury list an average of 10 games a season. Just avoid the Know show.
Ahmad Bradshaw, Free agent
Ahmad is still a free agent, so that makes me more worrisome about his recent neck injury. A neck injury is the scariest injury you can have in football, it ruins careers. While this player was having a breakout season last year, he was setback by injuries. Not only that he has ankle, knee, and foot problems too. A very iffy situation, avoid him unless you hear word he’s 100%.
Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona
Mendenhall is fighting for the Arizona starting job and if he can stay healthy, he likely will be the winner. Like almost every other player on this list, he has serious red flags when it comes to staying healthy. He’s had knee, Achilles’, shoulder, and mental problems in the past, so he’s yet another very risky back that shouldn’t be relied on as a starter in Fantasy leagues.
Cedric Benson, Green Bay
Benson was having an OK season with the Packers before suffering a Lisfranc injury that ended his season. At his age and his poor health, it’s hard to trust him. It’s in question even if he’ll play, so just look for the Packers to look elsewhere, including their two new rookies.
Eddie Lacy, Green Bay
This rookie has a chance to win Rookie of the Year for the upcoming season. There are some injury hangovers from college, though, that need to be monitored. I would expect this young man to stay healthy for the time being.
Marcus Lattimore, San Francisco
This is arguably the biggest question mark in the NFL. After his third ACL tear in simultaneous seasons, he looks to make yet another comeback after lengthy and successful acl tear recovery (he actually tore all three ligaments – and dislocated his knee). His Fantasy value is rooted in dynasty leagues only at this point, but he’s definitely a story to keep your eye on.
Niners RB Marcus Lattimore was expected to be the first running back drafted — until he tore three ligaments and dislocated his knee. Photo Credit: Daaka2
Willis McGahee, Denver
The Broncos hope to be able to ride this old-timer for yet another year, hoping he grinds out another 800 yards. I think he can give him that. His durability is definitely in question though. Ever since he was drafted with a torn ACL, he has been an injury liability. Look for him to be productive when playing but don’t expect him to play every game with a number of hindering leg problems (ankle, Achilles’, hamstring, and knee).
Darren Sproles, New Orleans
Sproles is one of my favorite players to watch in the league. I love what he brings to the plate in a PPR league. His hand injuries slowed up some of his catching abilities last season, but I expect him and the Saints to bounce back and be a power in the NFC. Look for him to be ready to go when OTAs begin and for him to get 85 catches this season.
Darren Mcfadden, Oakland
I am a Raider fan, so trust me, I know about Mcfadden and his injuries. I’ve fallen into this trap so many times — he’s injury prone, it’s that simple. He’s a top 5 guy when healthy, but the red flags are almost overwhelming at this point. He should be healthy coming into training camp, but just look for those little injuries he’s picked up in the past. They usually tend to come back and bite him (and his owners) in the ass.
Fred Jackson, Buffalo
I am very high on C.J. Spiller, so I would avoid Jackson all together. But, if you are a believer be prepared to see 10 carries a game from an average back with some knee problems. Oh, yeah, he also dealt with some concussions last season as well. I would only draft him as a handcuff to Spiller or a potential streaming back week to week.
Beanie Wells, Arizona
If you think I have called out some of these players for injury problems, this guy might be the worst. Let me just list the injuries from his short four-year career: turf toe, torn ACL, bruised hip, sprained hamstring, concussions, and other injury problems stemming from his days at Ohio State. He’s still a free agent for a good reason.
Ryan Mathews, San Diego
Arguably, Mathews was the most disappointing Fantasy back last season. He was injured for some parts of the season, but still didn’t receive many carries while healthy. It’s tough to try to determine what Mathews’ role is for the Chargers. He has fully recovered from a broken clavicle he got last preseason, but monitor his playing status through training camp as well as his health.
Those are the injured running backs you should be aware of as we get ready for draft season! We already covered injured quarterbacks, and stay tuned as we cover all of the positions in the coming weeks.
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