Fantasy Football Week 5 Start ‘Em & Sit ‘Em Running Backs: Cardinals, Bucs, Panthers injuries change landscape

Week 5 is shaping up to be crazy for running backs when it comes to injuries, which is compounded by four teams on a bye (Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay and Pittsburgh). There might be a lot of replacement options in lineups this week.

In Arizona, Trey Benson (knee) was placed on injured reserve, which means either Michael Carter or Emari Demercado could be the lead running back for the Cardinals against the Titans. As you’ll read below, I’d lean toward Carter as the Arizona running back to target in Week 5.

In Tampa Bay, Bucky Irving (foot) was in a walking boot at practice, and he could miss Week 5 at Seattle. Rachaad White and Sean Tucker would fill in for the Buccaneers if Irving is out, and I like White with his role in the passing game against the Seahawks.

In Carolina, Dave Canales said Chuba Hubbard (calf) is day-to-day, and he could be out in Week 5 against Miami. If Hubbard is out then Rico Dowdle would be a No. 2 Fantasy running back in all leagues.

We’ll continue to monitor all the running back news leading up to Sunday. But, based on what we know now, here are the running backs to start and sit for Week 5.