As Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season approaches, the running back injury board is already shaping fantasy decisions. A handful of backs who matter in a big way are still working through issues, and the next few days will go a long way toward sorting out who’s ready and who’s headed for a limited role.
The biggest name to watch right now is Ashton Jeanty. The Raiders’ second-year back sprained his ankle in practice on Aug. 23, but there’s optimism he can be available when the games count.
“Yes,” head coach Klint Kubiak said when asked if he’s optimistic about Jeanty’s Week 1 status, according to The Athletic’s Sam Warren. Jeanty missed the team’s last practice on Sept. 2, though he has been seen doing work on the side since the injury, a sign that he’s moving in the right direction.
If he can’t go, rookie Mike Washington is the handcuff and would be in line for a sizable workload.
TreVeyon Henderson is in a tougher spot. He has not practiced for two weeks because of an ankle injury and was again listed as a non-participant on Sunday, according to the team’s official report.
With New England set to open on Wednesday night, time is tight. The Patriots will issue two more injury reports this week, one Monday and one Tuesday, and those should tell the story.
If Henderson is sidelined, Rhamondre Stevenson would pick up the extra work, with Corey Kiner and Hassan Haskins or Lan Larison available to fill in.
Breece Hall is also dealing with an injury, though his outlook sounds better. Hall has been out of practice since suffering a non-contact groin injury in the middle of August, but head coach Aaron Glenn said he is expected to be ready for the opener.
Hall has been moving well at practice in recent weeks, and he appears to be on track to meet that expectation. He’s set to lead the Jets’ backfield in 2026, with Braelon Allen next in line if Hall is unable to play, followed by Isaiah Davis.
Christian McCaffrey showed up on the injury radar Monday when he was not spotted during the media-open portion of 49ers practice. “Nick Bosa and Christian McCaffrey were not taking part in drills in the early portion of 49ers practice that was open to the media.
George Kittle is practicing,” NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco reported. The exact issue isn’t clear, and it may simply be a case of San Francisco managing his workload.
McCaffrey did speak to reporters before practice, which at least points away from anything major.
Jeremiyah Love remains out as well after a high-ankle sprain kept him from the final two preseason games. Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said Love is “progressing really well,” per Blake Niemann of FOX 10 Phoenix, but he still has not returned to practice.
That leaves his Week 1 status uncertain. If Love can’t suit up, Tyler Allgeier is projected to handle a heavy load.
Jonathon Brooks is another back whose status is still being monitored. He has missed several practices with “soreness,” according to head coach Dave Canales, though the team hasn’t specified exactly where the soreness is.
Canales said he is “very optimistic” about Brooks’ chances of playing in Week 1. Brooks and Chuba Hubbard are expected to split the work in 2026, but Hubbard is likely to see more early on because of his experience.
D’Andre Swift briefly caused concern last week when he left practice and appeared to be in “significant discomfort,” The Athletic’s Dan Wiederer wrote. That worry seems to have passed.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Swift was dealing with a cramp, and he should be ready for the opener. Swift is expected to lead the Bears’ backfield this season, with Kyle Monangai also projected to have a role, if he’s available.
Monangai’s own status is still uncertain after a hyperextended knee injury last month, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported. Head coach Ben Johnson has called him week to week, and he hasn’t practiced in some time.
Still, Swift said Monangai is running and “looked good to me,” which at least offers some hope. If he’s active, Monangai is expected to share work with Swift, though Swift should get the larger slice of touches on a weekly basis.
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