Running back stashes before kickoff

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 66/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

Ray Davis is listed RB2 on the Buffalo Bills depth chart behind James Cook III. Deterministic pick; the model overview was unavailable.

Backfield news: Ty Johnson: Questionable; Did Not Participate In Practice (espn_rosters)

Scouting: Compact, physical back who slipped behind Ty Johnson on the 2026 chart but is still the likelier man to take the RB1 role if Cook missed time — he can handle early downs, short yardage and pass protection, where Johnson is a specialist.

Starter injury history: Largely durable in 2023-2025; Buffalo leaned on him more heavily in 2025 (roughly a 57% snap share) without a multi-game injury absence. Occasional in-season knocks but no chronic issue.

Also considered: Ty Johnson (42)

Analyst write-up pending; deterministic pick shown.

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 74/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• 2026 Houston Texans Depth Chart

A depth chart updated Sept. 8 lists David Montgomery first and Woody Marks second. Marks is the direct replacement projection, though Houston may still divide work.

Backfield news: A depth chart updated Sept. 8 lists David Montgomery first and Woody Marks second. Marks is the direct replacement projection, though Houston may still divide work.

Scouting: Led Houston in rushing as a rookie (196 carries, 703 yds) when injuries forced him between the tackles, and now slides back to his natural pass-catching role. Split camp reps nearly evenly with Montgomery and has already proven he can carry the load — a strong handcuff.

Starter injury history: 2024: torn MCL vs. BUF on Dec. 15 cost him the final three regular-season games (he declined surgery, rehabbed and returned for the divisional round). 2025: finished the season with Detroit. Age 29 with a heavy career touch count, and knee/shoulder issues have cropped up repeatedly across his career.

Also considered: British Brooks (38)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 69/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Browns announce unofficial depth chart for Week 1 vs. the Jaguars

Cleveland’s official Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Quinshon Judkins first, Dylan Sampson second and Raheim Sanders third. Sampson is the straightforward replacement projection.

Backfield news: Cleveland’s official Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Quinshon Judkins first, Dylan Sampson second and Raheim Sanders third. Sampson is the straightforward replacement projection.

Scouting: Explosive, pass-catching second-year back (175 rush, 271 rec yds as a rookie) and the clear handcuff in Cleveland — analysts point to him specifically as the man who inherits the job if Judkins' ankle flares up. Would need to prove he can hold up on early-down volume.

Starter injury history: 2025: dislocated right ankle and fractured fibula vs. BUF in Week 16, ending his rookie season; surgery Dec. 23 with a 4-6 month return-to-football window. 2026: recovered ahead of schedule, cleared for full contact and opened training camp on July 31 with no limitations. Otherwise no injury history.

Also considered: Raheim Sanders (53), Michael Burton (26)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 64/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Jaguars Reveal First Depth Chart of the 2026 Regular Season

Jacksonville’s official Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. as co-starters. Rodriguez is therefore the strongest next-man-up choice, with shared-work risk.

Backfield news: Jacksonville’s official Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. as co-starters. Rodriguez is therefore the strongest next-man-up choice, with shared-work risk.

Scouting: Free-agent signing listed as a co-starter with Tuten after taking near-equal camp reps. A downhill, physical early-down and short-yardage runner who would absorb heavy carries if Tuten went down, but not a passing-down back.

Starter injury history: No significant reported injury absences; played his full 2025 rookie season behind Travis Etienne and has been healthy through 2026 camp.

Also considered: LeQuint Allen Jr. (45), Ameer Abdullah (33)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 65/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• 2026 New York Jets Depth Chart

A depth chart updated Sept. 8 lists Breece Hall first and Braelon Allen second, ahead of Isaiah Davis and Kene Nwangwu. Allen is the direct replacement projection.

Backfield news: A depth chart updated Sept. 8 lists Breece Hall first and Braelon Allen second, ahead of Isaiah Davis and Kene Nwangwu. Allen is the direct replacement projection.

Scouting: Big back with genuine passing-down ability who is the clear next man up — the Jets leaned on him all preseason with Hall sidelined. Reporting is candid that he is not ready for a full workhorse load, so expect a committee, but he handles early downs and protection well.

Starter injury history: 2024: played through a knee injury he later called 'pretty serious' — same left knee as his 2022 ACL tear — missing one game. 2025: healthy, career-high 1,065 rush yds. 2026: strained his groin in an Aug. 17 practice going down untouched; Aaron Glenn said 2-3 weeks and expected him for the 9/13 opener, and he was a full participant by early September.

Also considered: Isaiah Davis (56), Kene Nwangwu (30)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 54/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Titans Depth Chart

Tennessee’s official depth chart dated Sept. 7 lists Tony Pollard first and Tyjae Spears second, with Julius Chestnut and Nicholas Singleton on the third line. Spears is the evidence-backed replacement despite competition.

Backfield news: Tennessee’s official depth chart dated Sept. 7 lists Tony Pollard first and Tyjae Spears second, with Julius Chestnut and Nicholas Singleton on the third line. Spears is the evidence-backed replacement despite competition.

Scouting: Quick, creative complement who has been much more active than Pollard in the passing game this camp and keeps Tennessee from being a one-man backfield. Would take the receiving and change-of-pace load if Pollard sat, but his own availability record is spotty.

Starter injury history: 2025: started all 17 games — 242 carries for a career-high 1,082 yds and five TD, his fourth straight 1,000-yard season. Missed the Week 17 game with a combination of the flu and an ankle issue, and managed minor foot/ankle problems through the year but no real absence. 2026: entered the season with no injury designation. Age 29 with a heavy career workload.

Also considered: Nicholas Singleton (58), Julius Chestnut (38)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 65/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Full analysis of Bears’ Week 1 depth chart

Chicago’s Sept. 9 Week 1 depth chart lists D’Andre Swift first, Kyle Monangai second and Roschon Johnson third. That makes Monangai the best-supported next man up.

Backfield news: Chicago’s Sept. 9 Week 1 depth chart lists D’Andre Swift first, Kyle Monangai second and Roschon Johnson third. That makes Monangai the best-supported next man up.

Scouting: Tough, compact second-year back who won the RB2 job outright and is the clear next man up in Chicago. Would carry a real early-down and short-yardage load if Swift missed time, with the knee the only near-term question.

Starter injury history: 2025: appeared in and started 16 games, no injury absence — career year with 1,087 rush yds on 223 carries (4.9), 34 catches, 10 total TD. 2026 camp: left one practice with what was reported as a cramp, not a core injury, and returned to practice in early September.

Also considered: Roschon Johnson (48)

Evidence: medium. Stash priority: 71/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Panthers banking on RBs Hubbard, Brooks despite injury histories

A Sept. 8 report says Carolina plans to pair Jonathon Brooks with starter Chuba Hubbard and identifies Brooks as the change-of-pace option, while noting recent soreness. Brooks is the best replacement projection, with availability and committee risk.

Backfield news: A Sept. 8 report says Carolina plans to pair Jonathon Brooks with starter Chuba Hubbard and identifies Brooks as the change-of-pace option, while noting recent soreness. Brooks is the best replacement projection, with availability and committee risk.

Scouting: Former second-round talent with three-down tools who has barely played because of two ACL tears. Carolina plans a rotation with Hubbard, so he would see a big workload if Hubbard's hamstring lingers — but his own availability is the biggest question in the room.

Starter injury history: 2024: 15 games, all starts (1,195 rush yds). 2025: Grade 2 right calf strain cost him two games and his starting job for much of the year — appeared in 15 but started only the first six. 2026: hamstring strain in training camp, missed the entire preseason, called week-to-week after an MRI; team expected him ready for Week 1 vs. CHI.

Also considered: AJ Dillon (53)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 53/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

Kendre Miller is listed RB3 on the New Orleans Saints depth chart behind Travis Etienne Jr.. Deterministic pick; the model overview was unavailable.

Backfield news: Alvin Kamara: Questionable; Limited Participation in Practice (espn_rosters) Audric Estime: Questionable; Did Not Participate In Practice (espn_rosters) Ty Chandler: Out (espn_rosters)

Scouting: Talented downhill runner whose career has been derailed by injuries; he is in a contract year fighting for a rotational role. Would take early-down carries in a pinch, but betting on his availability has never paid off.

Starter injury history: 2024: hamstring injury cost him two games. 2025: played all 17 — the third time in four seasons he has done so. 2026: rested for all three Saints preseason games and fully healthy entering Week 1 at Detroit.

Also considered: Alvin Kamara (55), Audric Estime (43)

Analyst write-up pending; deterministic pick shown.

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 49/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Lions vs Saints Week 1 depth chart

Detroit’s Sept. 9 Week 1 depth chart lists Jahmyr Gibbs first, Sione Vaki second and Jacob Saylors third. Vaki is the evidence-backed replacement, though Saylors handles return work and could share touches.

Backfield news: Detroit’s Sept. 9 Week 1 depth chart lists Jahmyr Gibbs first, Sione Vaki second and Jacob Saylors third. Vaki is the evidence-backed replacement, though Saylors handles return work and could share touches.

Scouting: Converted safety and special-teams ace used as a change-of-pace runner. Dan Campbell has explicitly called the RB2 job 'by committee,' so Vaki would split work rather than take over if Gibbs went down.

Starter injury history: 2023: missed two games with a hamstring. 2024: played all 18 games. 2025: played all 17. Only two missed games in three seasons and no injury reported entering 2026; recently signed a Lions extension.

Also considered: Jacob Saylors (56)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 78/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Bucs’ Release Week One Depth Chart: Two Rookie Starters on Defense

Tampa Bay’s official Sept. 9 Week 1 depth chart lists Bucky Irving, Kenny Gainwell and Sean Tucker in that order. Gainwell is the clearest lead replacement.

Backfield news: Tampa Bay’s official Sept. 9 Week 1 depth chart lists Bucky Irving, Kenny Gainwell and Sean Tucker in that order. Gainwell is the clearest lead replacement.

Scouting: Signed to be a genuine 1A/1B with Irving and expected to split touches close to evenly. Reliable in protection and as a receiver, and with Irving's 2025 injury history he is the obvious man to absorb a full workload — though he has never carried one for long.

Starter injury history: 2025: missed seven games with a shoulder subluxation and a foot/ankle sprain, and was visibly hampered when he did play — 588 rush yds, one rushing TD, 3.4 YPC in 10 games. Offseason shoulder surgery had Todd Bowles warning he might not be back until 'summer or fall.' 2026: fully healed, no restrictions at the start of camp and taking first-team reps.

Also considered: Sean Tucker (43)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 51/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

Tahj Brooks is listed RB3 on the Cincinnati Bengals depth chart behind Chase Brown. Deterministic pick; the model overview was unavailable.

Backfield news: No current injury notes available; availability is not independently confirmed.

Scouting: Compact, powerful second-year back seen as a short-yardage option if he cracks the rotation. The most likely early-down fill-in behind Brown, but unproven with almost no NFL volume.

Starter injury history: 2025: played all 17 games with no injury absence, setting or matching career highs across the board (1,456 scrimmage yds, 11 total TD). Has cleared 225 carries in back-to-back seasons without missing time.

Also considered: Samaje Perine (54)

Analyst write-up pending; deterministic pick shown.

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 58/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Ravens’ 2026 Week 1 Depth Chart

Baltimore’s Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Justice Hill as RB2 and Rasheen Ali as RB3. Hill is the clearest next option, though a Henry absence could still produce a committee.

Backfield news: Baltimore’s Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Justice Hill as RB2 and Rasheen Ali as RB3. Hill is the clearest next option, though a Henry absence could still produce a committee.

Scouting: Baltimore's third-down back and Lamar Jackson's trusted protector, averaging 4.8 YPC and 8.3 yards per catch since 2023. If Henry missed time he would keep the passing-down role and split early downs, not become a 15-carry lead back.

Starter injury history: Played all 17 games in each of 2023, 2024 and 2025 (2025: 307 carries, 1,595 yds, 16 TD). Has not missed a game to injury since a broken foot cost him nine games in 2021. Bumped up only for age 32 and repeated 300+ carry seasons.

Also considered: Rasheen Ali (46)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 60/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Colts release unofficial depth chart for Week 1 opener versus Ravens

Indianapolis’ Sept. 8 Week 1 depth-chart report says Seth McGowan earned the second-string job behind Jonathan Taylor, with DJ Giddens third. McGowan is the best-supported replacement.

Backfield news: Indianapolis’ Sept. 8 Week 1 depth-chart report says Seth McGowan earned the second-string job behind Jonathan Taylor, with DJ Giddens third. McGowan is the best-supported replacement.

Scouting: Rookie who leapfrogged Giddens for the No. 2 job on the strength of camp and preseason play. Zero NFL carries — Indianapolis would likely lean on a committee rather than hand him Taylor's workload.

Starter injury history: 2024: high ankle sprain (Week 4 vs. PIT) cost him multiple games — he had missed at least three games in each season from 2022 through 2024. 2025: played the full 17-game slate, above a 70% snap share in all but one game, with 20 total TD. Healthy entering 2026 and in line for another heavy workload.

Also considered: DJ Giddens (62)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 65/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Atlanta Falcons Week 1 depth chart vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Atlanta’s official Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Bijan Robinson as starter and Brian Robinson Jr. as the only backup at running back. The replacement path is unusually clear.

Backfield news: Atlanta’s official Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Bijan Robinson as starter and Brian Robinson Jr. as the only backup at running back. The replacement path is unusually clear.

Scouting: Powerful early-down and short-yardage back signed to spell Bijan Robinson. Would carry a real early-down load if Bijan missed time, but Atlanta would likely go to a committee on passing downs rather than hand him a full three-down job.

Starter injury history: 2023: played 17 games. 2024: started all 17 (304 carries). 2025: all 17 games, league-high 2,298 scrimmage yards on 366 touches. No significant injury absences in three seasons; slight bump for back-to-back 300+ touch workloads.

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 74/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• How Much Stock to Put Into Mike McCarthy’s Steelers Depth Chart?

Pittsburgh’s Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Jaylen Warren first and Rico Dowdle second. Dowdle is the clear replacement projection, though the offense expects a one-two punch.

Backfield news: Pittsburgh’s Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Jaylen Warren first and Rico Dowdle second. Dowdle is the clear replacement projection, though the offense expects a one-two punch.

Scouting: Back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher signed in free agency and, per ESPN reporting, the better bet to handle early downs — he also knows Mike McCarthy's scheme from Dallas. Listed RB2 only nominally; if Warren's knee flares up Dowdle is an immediate every-down lead back.

Starter injury history: 2024: hamstring strain in the second preseason game, then ruled out for Week 4 vs. IND with a knee injury; knee and hamstring issues recurred through the year. 2025: knee kept him limited/questionable in late September and he briefly left the Week 11 game vs. CIN with an ankle, though he avoided a long absence. 2026: no injuries reported entering the season.

Also considered: Eli Heidenreich (38), Riley Nowakowski (24)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 68/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Green Bay Packers Depth Chart

Green Bay’s Sept. 8 depth chart lists MarShawn Lloyd first, Chris Brooks second and newcomer Kaleb Johnson third. Date-only publication evidence supports Brooks, while Johnson’s role can grow after learning the offense.

Backfield news: Green Bay’s Sept. 8 depth chart lists MarShawn Lloyd first, Chris Brooks second and newcomer Kaleb Johnson third. Date-only publication evidence supports Brooks, while Johnson’s role can grow after learning the offense.

Scouting: Big, straight-line backup who is the most experienced healthy body in a suddenly thin room. Would handle early downs and short yardage in a committee if Lloyd's injury history resurfaces, but he is a replacement-level runner.

Starter injury history: 2024: played one game as a rookie (six carries); ankle sprain in Week 2 cost him six games, plus an appendectomy — four IR stints across two years. 2025: did not play at all — placed on IR/designated to return with a hamstring on Aug. 26, activated Dec. 17, then back on IR Dec. 19 with a second hamstring injury. 2026: healthy through camp and named the starter with Jacobs unavailable.

Also considered: Kaleb Johnson (54)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 82/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Vikings Release Depth Chart Ahead of 2026 Week 1 Border Battle vs. Packers

Minnesota’s official Sept. 9 Week 1 depth chart lists Aaron Jones Sr. or Jordan Mason as co-starters, with Demond Claiborne behind them. Mason is the clear replacement.

Backfield news: Minnesota’s official Sept. 9 Week 1 depth chart lists Aaron Jones Sr. or Jordan Mason as co-starters, with Demond Claiborne behind them. Mason is the clear replacement.

Scouting: Powerful, decisive early-down runner listed as co-starter and trending toward the larger share — projections have the split near 50-50 and he may take the goal-line work outright. With Jones' hamstring history, Mason is the man who would carry a full lead workload in Minnesota.

Starter injury history: 2024: healthy, 1,138 rush yds and 408 rec yds. 2025: hamstring injury in Week 2 vs. ATL sent him to injured reserve and cost him at least four games; he returned in Week 8 and then exited the Week 9 win over DET with another injury, finishing with only 160 touches. Long career pattern of MCL, hamstring, knee and calf issues, and he turns 32 this season.

Also considered: Demond Claiborne (43), Max Bredeson (24)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 75/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Commanders Have a Week 1 RB Question the Depth Chart Can’t Answer

A Sept. 8 report places Rachaad White behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and describes White as the likely passing-down option, with Kaytron Allen suited to short yardage. The split-role structure limits confidence.

Backfield news: A Sept. 8 report places Rachaad White behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and describes White as the likely passing-down option, with Kaytron Allen suited to short yardage. The split-role structure limits confidence.

Scouting: Veteran with a proven 250-touch season on his résumé who slots in as Washington's third-down and passing-game back. Genuinely three-down capable and the clear beneficiary if Croskey-Merritt's soft-tissue issues linger — the most reliable handcuff in this room.

Starter injury history: 2025 (rookie): played all 17 games — 175 carries, 805 yds (4.6), 8 TD. 2026 has been rockier: missed OTAs with a soft-tissue injury, day-to-day with a groin in camp, then pulled up with a lower-body injury Aug. 20 that cost him the last two preseason games. Limited in early-September practice but expected to play Week 1 vs. PHI.

Also considered: Kaytron Allen (58)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 74/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Eagles depth chart: Roster thoughts entering Week 1

Philadelphia’s Sept. 8 team-issued Week 1 depth chart lists Saquon Barkley first, Tank Bigsby second and Will Shipley third. Bigsby is the best-supported replacement.

Backfield news: Philadelphia’s Sept. 8 team-issued Week 1 depth chart lists Saquon Barkley first, Tank Bigsby second and Will Shipley third. Bigsby is the best-supported replacement.

Scouting: Acquired from Jacksonville for fifth- and sixth-round picks specifically as Barkley insurance. Efficient, physical downhill runner with proven lead-back production — widely rated a league-winning handcuff who would take a full early-down workload behind this offensive line.

Starter injury history: Available for essentially all of the last three seasons — a 2,000-yard 2024 and 280 carries in 2025 with no multi-game absence in Philadelphia; upgraded from DNP to full participation on a December 2025 report. 2026 camp: left foot/ankle checked by trainers in August, returned to practice the same day. Bumped for age 29 and a 480-touch 2024 including the Super Bowl run.

Also considered: Will Shipley (43)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 60/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

Ollie Gordon II is listed RB3 on the Miami Dolphins depth chart behind De'Von Achane. Deterministic pick; the model overview was unavailable.

Backfield news: No current injury notes available; availability is not independently confirmed.

Scouting: Big, physical between-the-tackles runner who gives Miami the short-yardage and goal-line element Achane and Wright do not. The likelier of the two backups to absorb a real early-down workload if Achane missed time.

Starter injury history: 2024: played all 17 games despite late-season rib and shoulder issues. 2025: 16 games (71% snap share, 1,838 scrimmage yards) — missed time in concussion protocol and then the finale with a shoulder injury after three straight missed practices. 2026 offseason: had that shoulder surgically 'cleaned up' per HC Jeff Hafley; healthy for camp.

Also considered: Jaylen Wright (59), DJ Herman (24)

Analyst write-up pending; deterministic pick shown.

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 66/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Raiders’ unofficial depth chart for Week 1 vs. Miami Dolphins

Las Vegas’ official Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Ashton Jeanty first, Mike Washington Jr. second and Dylan Laube third. Washington is the strongest next-man-up choice.

Backfield news: Las Vegas’ official Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Ashton Jeanty first, Mike Washington Jr. second and Dylan Laube third. Washington is the strongest next-man-up choice.

Scouting: Rookie who is the direct beneficiary of Jeanty's ankle — the Raiders said he would be counted on heavily until Jeanty returns. Early-down runner with no NFL sample; Las Vegas would use a committee rather than name him a bell cow.

Starter injury history: 2025 (rookie): played through the season, 266 carries for 975 yds and 55 catches for 346 yds — 1,321 scrimmage yards and 10 total TD, no long absence. 2026: helped off the practice field in late August with what was reported as a low (not high) ankle sprain; he missed the final preseason game and his Week 1 status was called day-to-day, with the team hopeful.

Also considered: Dylan Laube (43), Connor Heyward (29)

Evidence: medium. Stash priority: 76/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Cardinals list Tyler Allgeier as RB1, Jeremiyah Love as RB2 on Week 1 depth chart

Arizona’s Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Tyler Allgeier as RB1 and Jeremiyah Love as RB2. Love is the direct replacement projection, but his ankle recovery and a likely split lower confidence.

Backfield news: Arizona’s Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Tyler Allgeier as RB1 and Jeremiyah Love as RB2. Love is the direct replacement projection, but his ankle recovery and a likely split lower confidence.

Scouting: No. 3 overall pick; explosive, patient runner who handled all three downs at Notre Dame. Opened behind Allgeier on Arizona's own chart only because of the ankle. Once healthy he is the clear lead back and a true bell-cow profile.

Starter injury history: Durable across four Atlanta seasons (2022-2025) with no reported multi-game injury absences; healthy through 2026 camp after signing with Arizona.

Also considered: Bam Knight (43)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 63/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Chargers Release Unofficial Depth Chart Ahead of Week 1 Against the Cardinals

The Chargers’ official Sept. 8 depth chart lists Keaton Mitchell or Kimani Vidal behind Omarion Hampton. With Mitchell limited in practice, Vidal is a cautious projection in an unresolved committee.

Backfield news: The Chargers’ official Sept. 8 depth chart lists Keaton Mitchell or Kimani Vidal behind Omarion Hampton. With Mitchell limited in practice, Vidal is a cautious projection in an unresolved committee.

Scouting: Compact, tough runner with reliable vision who put up 643 rush yds and three TD filling in for Hampton — proof he can handle real volume. Offers passing-game utility Mitchell does not, making him the likelier lead back if Hampton's ankles act up again.

Starter injury history: 2025 (rookie): fractured his left ankle in Week 5 and went on IR, missing eight games; later a right ankle sprain cost him another full game and most of a second — seven to eight games lost in total, finishing with 737 scrimmage yards and five TD in 10 games. 2026: healthy through camp with no reported setbacks.

Also considered: Keaton Mitchell (54), Alec Ingold (33)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 54/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

Malik Davis is listed RB2 on the Dallas Cowboys depth chart behind Javonte Williams. Deterministic pick; the model overview was unavailable.

Backfield news: No current injury notes available; availability is not independently confirmed.

Scouting: Familiar depth back who survived cutdowns as Williams' No. 2. Adequate for a committee week or two but has never handled real volume; Dallas would likely add a body rather than hand him a lead role.

Starter injury history: 2024: full season in Denver coming back from the 2022 multi-ligament knee injury. 2025 (DAL): played 16 games, 1,201 rush yds and 11 TD on 252 carries, then finished the year on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Expected fully healthy for 2026; did not play in the preseason.

Also considered: Emari Demercado (46), Hunter Luepke (32)

Analyst write-up pending; deterministic pick shown.

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 67/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

Najee Harris is listed RB2 on the New York Giants depth chart behind Cam Skattebo. Deterministic pick; the model overview was unavailable.

Backfield news: No current injury notes available; availability is not independently confirmed.

Scouting: Proven high-volume NFL starter coming off a torn Achilles, listed as a co-No. 2 with Tracy and Singletary. If he shows he is all the way back he is the one back here with a track record of 250+ carry seasons — the likeliest true lead back if Skattebo went down.

Starter injury history: 2025 (rookie): led all rookies in scrimmage yards and TD through Week 8, then suffered a right ankle dislocation with an open tibia fracture and ruptured deltoid ligament at Philadelphia in late October; season-ending surgery that night. He considered walking away from football before committing to a comeback. 2026: cleared and set to return for Week 1, with no reported setbacks in camp.

Also considered: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (61), Devin Singletary (40)

Analyst write-up pending; deterministic pick shown.

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 78/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

• Dobbins listed as starter, Harvey as RB2

Denver’s Sept. 9 Week 1 depth chart lists J.K. Dobbins first, RJ Harvey second and Jonah Coleman third. Harvey is the direct replacement and already owns passing-game work.

Backfield news: Denver’s Sept. 9 Week 1 depth chart lists J.K. Dobbins first, RJ Harvey second and Jonah Coleman third. Harvey is the direct replacement and already owns passing-game work.

Scouting: Denver's designated third-down back per Sean Payton and one of the most productive receiving backs in the league as a rookie (27% target rate on routes). Durable, already trusted in protection, and the obvious man to inherit a full workload the moment Dobbins breaks down — a premium handcuff.

Starter injury history: 2024 (LAC): MCL sprain cost four weeks; 13 games. 2025 (DEN): Lisfranc foot injury vs. LV in Week 10 required surgery and ended his season, missing the final four games (10 games, 772 yds). 2026: soft-tissue injury limited camp and he sat out all three preseason games. Career: torn ACL (2021), torn Achilles (2023), broken foot (2025); no season above 13 games since 2020.

Also considered: Jonah Coleman (55), Tyler Badie (30)

Evidence: low. Stash priority: 70/100. Scores are rankings, not probabilities.

Emmett Johnson is listed RB2 on the Kansas City Chiefs depth chart behind Kenneth Walker III. Deterministic pick; the model overview was unavailable.

Backfield news: No current injury notes available; availability is not independently confirmed.

Scouting: Rookie who Andy Reid has effectively confirmed as the top backup, moving ahead of Brashard Smith. Given Walker's ankle history he is a live handcuff, but he has no NFL snaps and Kansas City would probably split work if Walker sat.

Starter injury history: 2024 (SEA): missed roughly six games with ankle, calf and oblique injuries, including a December high-ankle sprain that put him on IR. 2025 (KC): August foot soreness tied to that ankle cost camp time, but he played all 17 games for the first time and was Super Bowl MVP. 2026: an ankle issue surfaced again in August. Roughly 10 games missed in four years to repeat ankle/calf/oblique strains.

Also considered: Brashard Smith (43)

Analyst write-up pending; deterministic pick shown.