Running back handcuffs: A look at the backfield backups worth stashing for every NFL team

This is the time of year where the tread begins to wear thin on our favorite running backs and fantasy GMs will be scouring the waiver wire to find replacements for their RB1. Have no fear, we’re going to go through all 32 running back rooms in the NFL and highlight which backs are worthy of signing should your RB1 suddenly succumb to the injury bug.

Arizona Cardinals

RB1: James Conner
RB2+: Eno Benjamin, Keaontay Ingram

Scouting analysis: Eno Benjamin has outstanding short-area quickness and enough juice to get around the edge in. He’s not going to give you much between the tackles but he is a very solid pass catcher out of the backfield. If Conner should miss any more time, I feel confident that Benjamin combined with Keaontay Ingram could fill his shoes.

To be honest, I’m more intrigued by Ingram. He’s an aggressive runner for his size and at 5-foot-10, 210 he’s very strong between the tackles. Remember if Conner happens to miss time, Benjamin is more of a third-down back, while Ingram has more potential as an every down back. If the Cardinals don’t already know this, they’ll eventually come to this conclusion.

Atlanta Falcons

RB1: Cordarrelle Patterson
RB2+: Tyler Allgeier, Caleb Huntley

Scouting analysis: I may be the biggest Cordarrelle Patterson fan you’ll ever meet, and because he’s such a unicorn, it would take a combination of a third-down back and a back capable of running between and outside the tackles to match Patterson’s versatility. That’s why I simply do not understand the construction of the Falcon’s backfield.

After Patterson, the Falcons have two power backs in Tyler Allgeier and Caleb Huntley who are both talented in their own right. With that said, I’d prefer to pick up Allgeier in any event Patterson is unavailable. He’s got great size but he runs with patience and is well-adept at setting up his blocks. While he’s more of a build-up-speed type of guy, he’s not easy to track down in the open field. Additionally, his legs do not go dead on first contact. I takes a lot to bring him down.

Baltimore Ravens

RB1: Kenyan Drake, Gus Edwards
RB2+: Justice Hill, Mike Davis, J.K. Dobbins (IR)

Scouting analysis: The home run element in Kenyan Drake’s game makes him lead dog in the Ravens’ backfield. Gus Edwards will obviously factor in but Drake still possesses game-breaking speed that makes things easier on Baltimore’s offense. Now that Baltimore is seeing what it’s like to have a true game-breaker on their hands, I would not be shocked to see Justice Hill get a ton of work if Drake misses time. Hill has tremendous speed in his own right.

Hill ran 4.40 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine but has since missed time with injury. When healthy he’s shown he can provide a spark. He’ll need to continue to work toward improving his vision and finding cutback lanes more regularly. However, I love his ability to consistently secure the edge and generate explosive plays with his speed. Edwards would obviously get a ton of work in Drake’s absence, but I love the fact that Hill’s skill set is very similar to Drake.

As for Dobbins, John Harbaugh said on Tuesday that he expects Dobbins to return “in a few weeks.”

Buffalo Bills

RB1: Devin Singletary
RB2+: James Cook, Nyheim Hines

Scouting analysis: There’s some redundancy here in this Bills backfield, and I would say it’s a good thing, but they do not have a running back who I would label a pure three-down back. I understand Josh Allen takes on some of the load in the run department but the team is missing a running back capable of withstanding punishment between the tackles. Both Nyheim Hines and James Cook are receiving backs, in my eyes, but it’s Cook who has the potential to be Alvin Kamara-like in the NFL.

Without the presence of a true RB1 in Buffalo, it’s only a matter of time before Cook’s name will be called to fulfill the role. Perhaps he’s best suited for a RB2 role like Kamara, but his talent will always keep coaches hoping he grows into three-down back. Whether taking a handoff or catching the ball out of the backfield, the workload will be there, which will certainly benefit fantasy GMs who dared to pick him up before most even thought of him.

Carolina Panthers

RB1: D’Onta Foreman
RB2+: Chuba Hubbard, Raheem Blackshear

Scouting analysis: D’Onta Foreman is the only back in the Panthers’ stable with any real explosiveness. If Foreman is to go down, don’t look at Chuba Hubbard or Raheem Blacksheer as backs who provide any real production on a consistent basis. What I will say is if Laviska Shenault can stay healthy this season, he could begin to see more work in the backfield, especially if Carolina happens to lose another back to injury.

Chicago Bears

RB1: David Montgomery
RB2+: Khalil Herbert, Trestan Ebner

Scouting analysis: The one-two punch that David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert give the Bears offense is definitely something to build upon. If one of them should go down, the other is simply going to have to shoulder the load. There’s currently no other back on the roster I’d feel comfortable giving Herbert or Montgomery’s workload at this juncture.

At 5-foot-11, 208 pounds, Ebner looks to be the player Chicago is grooming to become their third-down back. He’s got good hands out of the backfield and has very good long speed. He plays every bit as fast as his 4.43 40-yard dash time, but he has a tendency to run tentatively between the tackles and he rarely exhibits the requisite fluidity to make defenders miss in open space. I simply do not see him becoming a factor for the Bears this season, even if Herbert or Montgomery miss time.

Cincinnati Bengals

RB1: Joe Mixon
RB2+: Samaje Perine, Chris Evans

Scouting analysis: If Mixon goes down, Perine will clearly become the lead dog. Perine possesses outstanding contact balance due to his low center of gravity, and he catches the ball better than many may think. He’s not going to set the world on fire with his speed but when he gets downhill, there are very few players at the second level of defenses that want to get in his way. If the Bengals are smart, they’ll be sure to get Perine the ball on inside zone calls and Power O.

Cleveland Browns

RB1: Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt,
RB2+: D’Ernest Johnson

Scouting analysis: The Browns have an embarrassment of riches in the backfield. Nick Chubb is the clear starter but Kareem Hunt is always in the mix. If Hunt or Chubb miss a week of work, D’Ernest Johnson is more than capable of producing at a high level. His vision is his No.1 one attribute. He also has the footwork necessary to take advantage of what he sees.

He may not be the fastest guy on the field, but he’s a constant threat to get into the second level. He constantly rips off chunks of yards, and the consistency he provides with each carry is exactly why he’s so valuable. I’m also a big fan of Demetric Felton, who’s capable of doubling as a running back and a receiver. The Browns have yet to unlock his potential and he likely will be shelved another year until they actually need him. His breakout year will likely be 2023.

Dallas Cowboys

RB1: Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard
RB2+: Malik Davis

Scouting analysis: Outside of Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard, this is not a running back situation you want any part of. Normally two running backs is enough to get a team through the season, but Elliot has had knee issues the past two seasons. It’s time Dallas adds and grooms another capable back.

Denver Broncos

RB1: Melvin Gordon
RB2+: Latavius Murray, Chase Edmonds

Scouting analysis: Chase Edmonds would be my clear-cut RB2 in the scenario of Gordon going down. I understand that there’s a level of trepidation that comes along with picking up Edmonds after his time in Miami, but I can assure you he’s so much better than what he put on display for the Dolphins. He’ll be a factor in Denver thanks to his quickness and catching ability out of the backfield (though he had some drops in Miami). Despite his size, he’s a better runner between the tackles than most think, and he’s very responsible in pass pro. Latavius Murray will get what’s blocked for him but Edmonds has the ability to create, which will greatly benefit Russell Wilson and the Broncos once he’s acclimated to the offense.

Detroit Lions

RB1: Jamaal Williams, D’Andre Swift
RB2+: Justin Jackson

Scouting analysis: The Detroit Lions better pray to the good Lord above that nothing happens to Jamaal Williams. D’Andre Swift is already banged up and they have no one who is capable of coming remotely close to Williams’ or Swift’s productivity.

Green Bay Packers

RB1: Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon
RB2+: Kylin Hill

Scouting analysis: Kylin Hill is a player I was extremely high on coming out of Mississippi State. I loved his patience, vision, and creativity in the open field. He constantly makes the first defender miss and while he’s not the fastest guy in the world, he’s got enough burst to consistently reach the corner.

While AJ Dillon will likely get the bulk of the carries if Aaron Jones is unable to play, Hill is more than capable of making an impact if his number is called. Much like Aaron Jones, Hill will give Aaron Rodgers an excellent checkdown receiver and possibly a little more juice in the backfield. Don’t be surprised to see him get some work at least at the capacity of a third-down back if Jones sits in Week 10.

Houston Texans

RB1: Dameon Pierce
RB2+: Rex Burkhead

Scouting analysis: It’s a one-man show in Houston. Hopefully Pierce can stay healthy for the duration of the 2022 season.

Indianapolis Colts

RB1: Deon Jackson, Jonathan Taylor
RB2+: Zack Moss, Phillip Lindsay

Scouting analysis: Deon Jackson has some serious talent and it’s no surprise that he’s likely the lead back with Taylor out. He’s got outstanding start-and-stop ability and I love his ability to switch up his path, or aiming point, on outside zone. He presses the hole and has a very good feel for cutback lanes. He’s got 4.42 speed in the 40-yard dash, which enables him to outrun defenders in the second level of the defense but, given the state of the offensive line, he may have some trouble finding room to run.

Nonetheless, Jackson’s capable of being a spot starter in the NFL, and I look forward to seeing what he does with this opportunity. Zach Moss is also a solid spot starter. He’s not going to overwhelm anyone with his athleticism but he’s got good contact balance and short area quickness. In my eyes, Jackson and Moss are quality speculative additions to any fantasy roster.

Jacksonville Jaguars

RB1: Travis Etienne
RB2+: JaMycal Hasty

Scouting analysis: JaMycal Hasty is quick as a hiccup and is best utilized on outside zone. He gets up to top speed extremely fast and he’s able to make cuts at full speed. If he’s ever asked to take on the bulk of the workload, he could absolutely put up a big game. He puts a great deal of pressure on linebackers to fill their gap because of how quickly he gets his shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage. Hasty also has very good hands out of the backfield and can be utilized on slip screens, swings, and angle routes. Don’t walk, run to add Hasty to the back of your roster.

Kansas City Chiefs

RB1: Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire
RB2+: Jerick McKinnon

Scouting analysis: I love the Chiefs’ stable of backs for the simple fact that all of them are essential to what they do on offense. In many ways, they’re interchangeable, but they each bring a little something different to the table. Isiah Pacheco runs hard and, if he can break into the secondary, his big-play speed certainly becomes a factor. Pacheco’s vision isn’t the greatest, as you’ll see him regularly run into the back of his O-lineman, but his speed certainly makes him a threat to take it the distance on every play.

CEH has the best combination of footwork and contact balance of the group. He’s not the speediest option, but when the offensive line has difficulty opening up rushing lanes, Edwards is the best of the bunch when it comes to creating when there’s penetration in the backfield. McKinnon is the Kansas City’s best receiving option who still has outstanding long speed. These three backs are all capable of stepping in and matching the other’s production. Feel free to pick up either one to help keep your team afloat.

Las Vegas Raiders

RB1: Josh Jacobs
RB2+: Ameer Abdullah, Zamir White

Scouting analysis: I’ve always been a big fan of Ameer Abdulah. He religiously puts defenders on skates in the open field and he’s a tougher runner between the tackles than most give him credit for. With that said, he’s become more of a receiving back at this stage of his career, which opens the door for rookie running back Zamir White.

White, who Georgia Bulldog fans affectionately call Zeus, is the Raiders’ future at the running back position. At 6-foot, 215 pounds, White runs 4.40-seconds in the 40-yard dash and his speed is certainly evident on the field. He’s more of a one-cut-and-go runner, but he’s got tremendous vision and a great feel for finding cutbacks in the run game. Zeus was my No.3 back in the 2022 NFL draft, and I can’t wait to see what he does when his workload increases.

Los Angeles Chargers

RB1: Austin Ekeler
RB2+: Isaiah Spiller, Sony Michel, Joshua Kelley (IR)

Scouting analysis: Isaiah Spiller was my top-rated back in the 2022 NFL draft. While he may not be the most explosive back in the world, he was the best combination of footwork, vision, and versatility. I love his patience, along with his ability to maneuver in confined spaces despite being a larger back.

Given the fact that he excels as a downfield receiver, he also has true three-down potential as long as he can improve his technique in pass pro. Spiller has been hurt for the majority of the season. Now that he’s back, expect for he and Ekeler to for more of a one-two punch down the homestretch. If Ekeler misses time for any reason, Spiller could very well become RB1 in his absence.

Los Angeles Rams

RB1: Darrell Henderson
RB2+: Cam Akers, Kyren Williams (IR)

Scouting analysis: I’ve been very vocal about the fact that Henderson being the best back out of the bunch but I wish the head coach would do a better job of feeding him the football. Sean McVay has a weird relationship with running backs and it’s difficult to know how frequently they’ll touch the football in a given week. Cam Akers is capable, but best utilized as a complimentary piece similar to Alvin Kamara. This backfield is one I wouldn’t trust, simply because the head coach would rather ask his quarterback to drop back 40 times per game vs. letting his running backs make life a little easier for the Rams’ fledgling offense.

Miami Dolphins

RB1: Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson
RB2+: Myles Gaskin

Scouting analysis: Jeff Wilson has the potential to become RB1 in Miami. Mostert always has the potential to break the long run because of his long speed, but he isn’t going to create much if the play call doesn’t go as scripted. He’s best utilized in gap scheme and outside zone. Wilson, on the other hand, has the burst, vision, and footwork needed to set up blocks and create rushing lanes for himself. He’s also got very good hands out of the backfield. He reminds me a lot of JaMycal Hasty, who also spent time in San Francisco.

Minnesota Vikings

RB1: Dalvin Cook
RB2+: Alexander Mattison, Kene Nwangwu, Ty Chandler (IR)

Scouting analysis: A running back I was very high on in this draft is Ty Chandler. I was disappointed to see him go on IR but Dalvin Cook has two other backups who are very capable of stepping in and producing at a satisfactory level. Mattison posted two 100-yard performances while Dalvin Cook missed time with a dislocated shoulder and a torn labrum. While not a burner, Mattison has deceptive quickness and knows how to get skinny in the hole. He takes a slow to/fast through approach that requires a great deal of patience that many backs simply do not have. Though Mattison is just 5-foot-11, 215 pounds, he runs bigger than his listed size. Tacklers routinely bounce off of him and he seems to be money on split zone and iso. He also has very underrated hands out of the backfield.

Kene Nwangwu could also prove to be a nice change of pace for Mattison. Nwangwu posted a 4.32 40-yard dash at his pro day and he has a great feel for split zone like Mattison, and inside zone. While he’s more of a straight-line runner, he could generate his fair share of explosive plays if Mattison needs a breather. To be clear, Mattison is RB2 because of the consistency he provides in the ground game but it wouldn’t shock me to see Nwangwu make a big play or two if given the opportunity.

New England Patriots

RB1: Rhamondre Stevenson, Damien Harris
RB2+: Pierre Strong, J.J. Taylor

Scouting analysis: Rhmondre Stevenson and Damien Harris make a formidable tandem but New England does have quality options in the backfield should one of them go down. J.J. Taylor and Pierre Strong are both extremely quick and put a ton of pressure on defenses once they get their hands on the ball. Despite his diminutive stature, Taylor runs as hard as any 5-foot-6, 185 pound running back I’ve every seen. He excels at inside zone and has had NFL success with counters.

Pierre Strong is a back I was extremely high on coming out of the 2022 NFL Draft because his extreme quickness is also accompanied by outstanding long speed. He’s able to get downhill in a hurry and he also has very soft hands as a receiver. If Stevenson or Harris miss time, I’d feel good about Taylor or Strong (in that order) picking up the slack.

New Orleans Saints

RB1: Alvin Kamara
RB2+: Mark Ingram; Dwayne Washington

Scouting analysis: I don’t feel good about the Saints backfield as a whole, and that includes Alvin Kamara. Due to the fact that the Saints insist upon rolling Andy Dalton out there as their starter, the run game will continue to face an uphill battle. Kamara gives the Saints a chance but if he’s out of the lineup, Ingram has reached a point in his career where there isn’t much tread left on the tires.

New York Giants

RB1: Saquon Barkley
RB2+: Matt Breida

Scouting analysis: The Giants better pray that Saquon Barkley stays healthy this season, because Matt Breida is more of a RB2 compared to a guy who should be depended upon as a starter, or even spot starter, at this point in his career. The Giants had a very good back in camp by the name of Jashaun Corbin, who has the potential to become an RB1, but they cut him and placed him on their practice squad. His balance, footwork and vision would make him an excellent insurance policy for Barkley right about now but, sadly, they didn’t see it that way. Keep his name in mind as a handcuff next season.

New York Jets

RB1: Michael Carter, James Robinson
RB2+: Ty Johnson, Zonovan Knight

Scouting analysis: I’ve always been a huge fan of Michael Carter ,as he was my No.3 running back in the 2021 NFL Draft. If Carter or Robinson miss any time, I’m very comfortable with Ty Johnson as a handcuff here. Johnson looks to be very much in his element on inside zone and he also catches the football extremely well. He doesn’t have much wiggle to his game but he’s got tremendous burst and gets up to top speed very quickly. If he happens to get out in the open, his 4.3 speed is mighty apparent in the way he pulls away from defenders in the secondary.

Philadelphia Eagles

RB1: Miles Sanders
RB2+: Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, Trey Sermon

Scouting analysis: The Eagles have quality depth throughout their entire running back corps, but if I had to pick one player to handcuff, it would absolutely be Kenneth Gainwell. He has quickness, tremendous hands out of the backfield and a nose for the end zone the others simply do not have. There’s a reason he’s in the game during goal line situations despite the fact he’s just 5-foot-9, 200 pounds. In the eyes of Miles Sanders’ fans, Gainwell may be a touchdown vulture, but if Sanders goes down, you’d be wise to swoop him up.

Pittsburgh Steelers

RB1: Najee Harris
RB2+: Jaylen Warren

Scouting analysis: Stay away from this running back situation altogether. Harris is struggling due to the lack of a vertical passing attack and if Harris is struggling, what is Warren going to accomplish if inserted into the lineup? Harris needs a change of pace, and Anthony McFarland certainly fits the bill. Unfortunately, he’s wasting away on the Steelers’ practice squad.

San Francisco 49ers

RB1: Christian McCaffrey
RB2+: Tyrion Davis-Price, Jordan Mason, Elijah Mitchell (IR)

Scouting analysis: We already know that Mitchell can be a difference maker when healthy, but he’s out with an MCL injury — SF has just under three weeks to activate him from the IR. I’m not very high on any of the currently healthy running backs currently behind Christian McCaffrey. Tyrion Davis-Price is a very good athlete and has very good footwork for his size but the ability to create and set up blocks is an area I’d like to see him improve upon.

Seattle Seahawks

RB1: Kenneth Walker
RB2+: DeeJay Dallas, Travis Homer

Scouting analysis: I love the fact that two Miami backs seemingly have a permanent home in Seattle and rightfully so. DeeJay Dallas was a high school quarterback who became a very good running back for the ‘Canes. I’m a fan of his spatial awareness behind the line of scrimmage and his ability to create when the play design isn’t executed as intended. He’s also a very good receiver out of the backfield. Homer is the speedier of the two backs and uses his speed to regularly race to the corner. I also like his vision and how consistent he is with finding the cutback lane on inside zone. Like Dallas, he also catches the ball well out of the backfield. Look for Dallas and Homer to split carries in the event that Kenneth Walker misses a game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

RB1: Leonard Fournette
RB2+: Rachaad White, KeShawn Vaughn

Scouting analysis: Leonard Fournette still has some juice left but it’s only a matter of time before Rachaad White eats into his workload. White is the clear RB2 here but the coaching staff is trusting him more with each passing week. While he does have a slashing style of play, he has enough wiggle to make defenders miss at and beyond the line of scrimmage. Thanks to his high school background playing in a Gun Wing-T, he also has a ton of experience playing receiver. At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, White has very good long speed and is more than capable of racing past secondary defenders once he gets a full head of steam.

Tennessee Titans

RB1: Derrick Henry
RB2+: Dontrell Hilliard

Scouting analysis: Hilliard is the perfect complementary back for Henry as evidenced by his two-touchdown performance in Week 1 against the New York Giants. Hilliard is a talented receiving back who also has very good vision in the gap scheme run game. He’s got 4.42 speed in the 40-yard dash and is capable of making cuts at full speed. If Henry sits a game or more due to injury, I’d fully expect Hilliard to play a critical role in keeping the Titans’ run game alive.

Washington Commanders

RB1: Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson
RB2+: J.D. McKissic

Scouting analysis: J.D. McKissic is more of a third-down back and would not be much of an option as an every-down back. Thankfully, the Commanders have Brian Robinson and a very motivated Antonio Gibson essentially sharing the load. Curtis Samuel will also factor into the equation when it comes to the Commanders’ backfield. This is a classic example of too many backfield options, and that’s exactly why J.D. McKissic would not be a back who I handcuff if Robinson or Gibson were ruled out of the lineup.

(Top photo: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)