Running Back Handcuffs Update for Week 5: Opportunity Knocks in Seattle

The running back handcuff landscape continues to change as we head into Week 5. We didn't lose as many RB1s as last week, with only Saquon Barkley checking out early. But several backup running backs look to be earning more work and positioning themselves as the next man up.

Let's take a look at the top running back handcuffs to monitor heading into Week 5.

RB Handcuff Updates for Week 5

Zach Charbonnet | RB | SEA, Joe Mixon | RB | SEA

Seattle has been a frustrating running back room to decipher for years, but things couldn't have played out much better for Zach Charbonnet in recent days.

First, rookie Jadarian Price hit the IR, shelving him for at least four weeks. Fantasy managers sitting on Charbonnet were hoping the former vulturer of Kenneth Walker's touchdowns would regain the role that produced 20 TDs over the past two seasons (on only 1,299 rushing yards).

With the rookie out last week, veteran Emanuel Wilson went hog wild against the Chargers, racking up 81 yards on the ground, 39 through the air and two scores. Fellow back George Holani chipped in seven carries for only 18 yards.

Of course, news broke on Monday that the team is signing veteran back Joe Mixon, who hasn't played since 2024 due to a series of confusing injuries. Mixon is 30, and his contributions will be worth watching over the next couple of weeks, but the 25-year-old Charbonnet is more likely to have a fantasy impact this season.

The Seahawks opened Charbonnet's practice window last week and must activate him by Week 7. Charbs is attempting a fairly quick recovery from a January ACL tear and could be eased into action. If anything, the Mixon signing signals how badly the team needs Charbonnet to come back—or for Price to return and stop fumbling.

Charbonnet is rostered in 61% of Yahoo leagues, but that number should be growing quickly considering all of the things breaking his way over the past week.

Will Shipley | RB | PHI

For the second time in three weeks, Saquon Barkley checked out early, leaving the Eagles' backfield to Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley. Neither Eagles RB did much in the team's 24-20 loss to the Rams, and their usage followed a familiar script: Bigsby playing early downs and Shipley handling passing-down work.

But Bigsby is now out of the picture indefinitely—he reportedly needs core muscle surgery, leaving Shipley as the last man standing.

Shipley has the size and pass-catching skills to handle a big-time workload, should Barkley miss any time. He's definitely worth an add while we wait to see how Barkley's hamstring heals.

Kaleb Johnson | RB | GB

The Packers are a bit of a mess right now, but second-year back Kaleb Johnson continues to carve out a role in the team's three-headed committee. Since sitting out Week 1, Johnson has out-carried Marshawn Lloyd 20-17, with veteran RB Chris Brooks taking the pass-blocking snaps. During this stretch, the three have split snaps as such: Lloyd 35%, Brooks 35%, Johnson 30%.

Still, Johnson is the former third-rounder for whom the Packers traded during training camp due to Josh Jacobs' looming legal issues. Johnson hasn't taken full advantage yet, and Brooks is likely to remain involved in the less-important two-minute and long-down-and-distance work, but there's a chance Johnson earns a bigger role. It would help if he would stop fumbling, though.

More Running Back Handcuffs to Roster

Woody Marks: Has scored in two straight on just 11 carries. The solid pass-catcher would be a mid-range RB2 if David Montgomery misses any time.
Ollie Gordon/Jaylen Wright: Gordon showed out in Week 4 with 100 yards and a score on just nine carries, but Wright just returned from an injury and handled five carries of his own.
Seth McGowan: The clear handcuff to Jonathan Taylor, who has scored six TDs thus far.
Demond Claiborne: Backing up the overworked Aaron Jones with Jordan Mason on IR. Might be the next man up if anything happens to Jones.
Mike Washington: High-upside Ashton Jeanty handcuff.
Kaelon Black: High-upside Christian McCaffrey handcuff.
AJ Dillon: Looks like the next man up if Chuba Hubbard were to miss time, at least until Jonathon Brooks returns from IR.