Running back injuries are reshaping several NFL backfields heading into Week 9 of the 2026 fantasy football season, creating new opportunities and difficult lineup decisions for fantasy managers.
Devin Singletary and Tyler Allgeier could see expanded roles with key teammates sidelined, while Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler are competing for touches in Washington's injury-depleted backfield.
Meanwhile, Breece Hall's return creates a different challenge for the New York Jets after Braelon Allen emerged as a productive fantasy option during his absence.
Here's how injuries are impacting four NFL backfields and what fantasy managers should expect in Week 9.
Devin Singletary, New York Giants
The New York Giants could turn to Devin Singletary as their lead running back in Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles, with injuries threatening the availability of their top two running backs.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. is on injured reserve, while Cam Skattebo is expected to miss Week 9 after suffering a hamstring injury late in New York's Week 7 overtime victory over the Houston Texans.
Skattebo was coming off the best game of his career, rushing for 124 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. He acknowledged feeling something in his hamstring following the game and initially expressed optimism about having the bye week to recover.
With both running backs unavailable, Singletary has an opportunity to take on his largest workload of the season. However, he has never recorded more than 16 carries in a game during his three seasons with the Giants.
Singletary has been used sparingly in 2026, totaling just 80 rushing yards and one touchdown on 18 carries.
The matchup provides additional fantasy appeal. Philadelphia allowed 135 rushing yards to the Washington Commanders last week and ranks fifth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game.
Fantasy Outlook: Singletary could be a viable Week 9 flex option if Skattebo is ruled out. With Tracy already on injured reserve and Philadelphia struggling against the run, increased volume could outweigh his limited production this season.
Tyler Allgeier, Arizona Cardinals
Tyler Allgeier delivered a breakout performance in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys after injuries to Jeremiyah Love and Bam Knight forced the Arizona Cardinals to rely more heavily on the veteran running back.
Allgeier rushed for 147 yards on just 11 carries and added 44 receiving yards, taking advantage of a Cowboys defense that ranks last in the NFL.
The performance came after a frustrating start to his first season in Arizona. Allgeier signed a two-year, $12.25 million contract during the offseason, raising expectations that he could become the Cardinals' featured running back. However, Arizona selected Love with the third overall pick in the NFL Draft, complicating Allgeier's path to a significant workload.
After receiving 18 carries in Week 1, Allgeier was primarily utilized in short-yardage situations and as a blocker.
Now, the backfield looks considerably different. Love has been placed on injured reserve with another ankle injury, while Knight remains in concussion protocol, potentially positioning Allgeier for an expanded role in Week 9.
However, the matchup presents a much tougher challenge. Arizona faces a Seattle Seahawks defense allowing the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game, a significant step up from the Cowboys.
Gardner Minshew will take over at quarterback following Jacoby Brissett's trade to Baltimore, adding another variable to Arizona's offense ahead of a difficult matchup against Seattle.
Fantasy Outlook: Allgeier has a legitimate opportunity to become Arizona's primary running back while Love is sidelined, but fantasy managers should temper expectations following his explosive Week 8 performance. A difficult Seattle matchup, uncertainty surrounding Knight's availability and a new starting quarterback make Allgeier a volume-dependent fantasy option rather than an automatic starter.
Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders could lean more heavily on Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams after injuries depleted their running back depth.
Jeremy McNichols has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious midfoot injury, while rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt remains on injured reserve with a groin injury.
Washington rushed for 135 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, with White recording 11 carries and Ekeler adding eight. Both running backs have demonstrated receiving ability throughout their careers, although Ekeler has recorded just four receptions this season.
Despite the opportunity for increased touches, Washington's backfield has struggled to produce significant individual rushing performances in 2026. No Commanders running back has exceeded 82 rushing yards in a game this season, with quarterback Jayden Daniels the only Washington player to surpass 100 rushing yards in a game.
The Week 9 matchup against Los Angeles presents a moderate challenge. The Rams are allowing approximately 109 rushing yards per game, meaning neither White nor Ekeler has an especially favorable matchup to exploit.
White appears positioned to lead the backfield after receiving more carries than Ekeler last week, but Washington could continue splitting touches between the two veterans.
Fantasy Outlook: White is the preferred fantasy option after leading Washington's backfield in carries last week, but a potential committee with Ekeler limits his ceiling. White profiles as a borderline RB2 or flex, while Ekeler is a deeper-league PPR consideration.
Braelon Allen and Breece Hall, New York Jets
Braelon Allen has emerged as a productive fantasy running back since Breece Hall suffered a right quadriceps injury in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions. Now, with Hall returning to the lineup, the New York Jets face a difficult decision about how to divide carries between their two running backs.
Hall opened the season as New York's primary running back, recording 51 carries for 163 yards through three games. Allen, meanwhile, received just 19 carries during that stretch.
Since Hall's injury, Allen has taken advantage of his expanded role, rushing for 504 yards and two touchdowns on 93 carries. His production has strengthened his case for a significant workload even with Hall back in the lineup.
Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich acknowledged Thursday that the team has specific plays designed for each running back.
“We have some plays that are tagged for one or the other,” Reich said. “But it’s a great problem to have.”
Both Reich and head coach Aaron Glenn have maintained since training camp that they envision Hall and Allen operating as a complementary backfield duo. However, Allen's recent production has complicated what was previously a clear hierarchy.
“You’ve got two No. 1 backs,” Reich said. “Breece is obviously the bell cow, he’s our guy, but it’ll be a mix.”
Reich also indicated that the coaching staff could adjust the workload based on how each running back performs during games.
Fantasy Outlook: Hall remains the Jets' preferred lead back, but Allen's 504 rushing yards during his absence have earned him a larger role. Both could have fantasy value, although a committee approach would limit their individual ceilings. Hall carries the stronger starting outlook, while Allen becomes a riskier flex option.
