Running Back Roulette: Final Week 1 Prep

Photo: Scott Galvin, USA Today Sports

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Week 1 is barreling toward fantasy managers, and initial roster spots are being finalized for the season. Finishing this preseason series, here are the notable adjustments for NFL running back depth charts:

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Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns: Ford is returning to practice, and the Browns did not splash the pot much with Demetric Felton released and Pierre Strong an uninspiring addition from New England who has yet to show much through two preseason. Hassan Hall returns to the practice squad. Ford is back to the clarified RB2 role with a strong upside if Nick Chubb misses any time.

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans: As low-hanging fruit as a riser, Spears has flashed strong pre-season potential as the stable RB2 behind Derrick Henry. Hassan Haskins missing time to start the season was not required, with Spears surging, but points to an even higher market share if Henry misses time for Spears.

Raheem Blackshear, Carolina Panthers: More of a deeper play, but Miles Sanders has consistently missed time in his career, and Chuba Hubbard is tough to trust for a workhorse role thus far. Blackshear saw some time last year and sits in the RB3 spot, with Hubbard dinged up for a chunk of August.

Keaontay Ingram, Arizona Cardinals: Corey Clement was a factor on the depth chart until last week, ultimately fading to a release from the team. Ingram's lone incumbent competition is undrafted Emari Demercado in the RB3 spot. Ingram had an uninspiring rookie season but an optimal chance behind James Conner in 2023.

Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys: Dowdle benefits from Malik Davis being released and his lone competition for the RB2 role being the diminutive Deuce Vaughn. Dowdle is in a prime position to benefit from a Tony Pollard injury and is on plenty of shallow to moderate-depth league waiver wires even leading up to Week 1.

Matt Waldman identifies Dowdle as one of his 'All Gut Check Sleepers' this season.