The offseason can be an overflow of information that can be difficult to decipher. As training camp is right around the corner, here are nine storylines for the running back to watch for the fantasy fallout.
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Does the Cincinnati backfield produce a valuable running back?
Cincinnati traded Joe Mixon to Houston after signing Zack Moss to a two-year, $8mm contract. Moss joins 2023 5th-round pick Chase Brown in the Cincinnati backfield. Moss was the most productive stretch of his career in 2023 in Indianapolis when Jonathan Taylor was injured. Brown was a hyper-athletic back at the combine and managed an eye-popping 4.46 yards per route run in a small role as a receiver as a rookie. How the workshare unfolds will be important to monitor in the training camp.
What is Tennessee's plan at running back?
Tennessee let Derrick Henry leave in free agency. The team will move forward with 2023 third-round pick Tyjae Spears and 2024 free agent signee Tony Pollard. Both have similar size and style, while being valued similarly in offseason ADP. How their team will unfold is an open question.
Is Nick Chubb healthy?
Nick Chubb suffered a catastrophic knee injury in 2023 and had multiple offseason surgeries. There is a question about his readiness for the 2024 team, but the team spent little resources on reinforcing the position if Chubb is going to miss time. Jerome Ford is still in line to be the backup while the team signed veteran journeyman D'Onta Foreman. Chubb's status on PUP will be a watch, but the lack of investment in the backfield should be a good sign for the team's confidence in his return.
What is the split in Pittsburgh?
The Pittsburgh offense is in line for a major overhaul. The team moved on from offensive coordinator Matt Canada and brought in Arthur Smith, who ran an extremely run-heavy approach as Atlanta's head coach in 2022 and 2023. The team declined Najee Harris' fifth-year option, leaving him in the final year of his contract. He sat out the final days of minicamp, so his contract and health status should be monitored in training camp. The team also has Jaylen Warren, who they used interchangeably with Harris under the old regime. How the workshare is split should be an important monitor in training camp.
What is Denver's pecking order?
Early offseason vibes out of the Denver backfield indicate the team is looking for a change in the backfield after last season. There is a sense that Javonte Williams' status as the team is in question, while Samaje Perrine has a cuttable contract. There are positive reports out of the offseason on Jaleel McLaughlin, but what to expect from a running back less than 190 pounds is a question. Additionally, rookie Audric Estime had to undergo surgery on his knee after an injury in OTAs. The entire backfield is a question and will be one of the most important watches in the offseason.
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