SIC Roundup: Running Back Injuries and Recovery Timelines

Last offseason, running backs, including J.K. Dobbins and Saquon Barkley, voiced their concerns about NFL teams' reluctance to offer substantial contracts. Contract disputes led to holdouts during training camp. However, as we approach Week 3 of the season, both sides have valid points.

Running backs advocated for more guaranteed money in their contracts, citing their position’s physical demands and brutality. On the other hand, NFL teams were hesitant to commit to long-term deals for running backs due to the position's historically short shelf life. As the season kicked off, a notable number of top-tier running backs were sidelined with injuries, underscoring the physical toll of the position.

Nick Chubb -  SIC score 5

•  Injury: Multi-ligament knee injury and dislocation of the knee

• Timeline: Chubb suffered a gruesome knee injury on Monday Night Football when Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick dove at his knees while he was carrying somebody.

•  Impact: He is out for the season, and this injury is expected to have serious career implications as this is the second multi-ligament injury to knee.

Saquon Barkley - SIC score 10

•  Injury: Right high ankle sprain

• Timeline: Barkley suffered a right high ankle sprain when he landed on in a pile in the fourth quarter of last week's game against the Cardinals.

•  Impact: Barkley will miss the team’s Thursday Night Football matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. He will be out for two to three weeks with the injury.

Get Access to All Field Views and SIC Health Scores with SIC Data

Austin Ekeler - SIC score 48 

• Injury: Right high ankle sprain

• Timeline: Ekeler suffered a mild high ankle sprain in Week 1 against the Dolphins.

• Impact: Ekeler was inactive in Week 2 but has a chance to return in Week 3, but his injury is likely to linger and limit effectiveness.

Kenneth Gainwell - SIC score 54

• Injury: Ribs

• Timeline: Gainwell suffered a rib injury in Week 1, which forced him to miss the Eagles Week 2 matchup.

• Impact: Gainwell has a chance to return for Week 3 but may need a numbing injection to help with the pain.

Aaron Jones - SIC score 60

• Injury: Hamstring

• Timeline: Jones suffered a hamstring injury against the Chicago Bears in Week 1.

• Impact: After missing Week 2, Aaron Jones has a chance to return in Week 3. But he won’t be fully healthy due to the nature of hamstring injuries.