NFL training camps are open and discussion of the running back position has dominated the NFL community for much of the off-season. Debates about the actual value of ball carriers around the NFL are likely to extend well into the regular season but details including injury rate and career length are the exact reasons dynasty gamers dive deep when it comes to backfields.
Let’s look at some of the key backup running backs around the league, broken into four categories. Current ADP positional rank is included with each player.
MUDDY BACKFIELDS
Detroit Lions
The Lions made some major moves in the backfield this off-season, signing former Bears running back David Montgomery (RB31) before using the 12th overall pick on rookie Jahmyr Gibbs (RB5). While it is unclear how the backfield split will play out early this season, Gibbs is already being valued as a future elite asset and the early camp hype has matched that.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles let longtime starter Miles Sanders (RB19) walk via free agency and replaced him by signing Rashaad Penny (RB43) and trading for former Lion D'Andre Swift (RB22). Both players have displayed their huge upside at times during their respective careers, but have also both dealt with consistent injury issues. They’ll join veterans Kenneth Gainwell (RB52) and Boston Scott to form Philly’s four-man backfield.
Seattle Seahawks
