The most inspiring story at running back this week is the return of Nick Chubb. Chubb returns after a brutal leg injury that many thought could end his career. He joins a Browns team in Week 7 that will be without Jerome Ford. In Ford’s absence, Chubb may be forced to see more touches than Cleveland originally planned. The Browns have a league-average opponent in the Bengals this week, so you can expect Chubb to be an RB2 who may be able to find the end zone.
Looking at the rest of the stories at running back:
Tony Pollard will benefit from no Tyjae Spears this week against the Bills, who allow the second most points to opposing running backs. He has seen over 20 touches in all but one game this season and landed in the top 15 at the position in each of those games. Expect Pollard to be leaned on heavily in this one. Fire him up as a rock-solid RB1 in Week 7.
DeVon Achane makes his return from the concussion protocol. He has been incredibly inefficient since Tua Tagovailoa‘s departure, along with the rest of the Miami offense. The good news for Achane is that he returns fully healthy for the first time since Week 2 against one of the league’s worst run defenses in the Indianapolis Colts. He may not hit RB1 territory this week, but he should provide high-end RB2 value in a get-right game.
Brian Robinson Jr. is trending towards playing after missing last week with a knee injury. He will still be limited to some degree and has not yet officially been listed as active. Robinson’s ceiling will be limited if he does play, as he will likely see fewer opportunities. In the case of Robinson playing in Week 7, both Robinson and Austin Ekeler will be RB2s this week, with Ekeler having the higher upside of the duo in a great matchup. If Robinson does end up missing, Ekeler could flirt with RB1 production against the Panthers.