Running Back Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 5: Top Free Agent Adds Include Bucky Irving, Braelon Allen, Chase Brown, Tank Bigsby

The sudden emergence of injuries has become an unwanted occurrence as we enter planning for Week 5. The continued escalation of health issues can create an arduous task for any manager who is forced to overcome the absence of multiple players. The unsettled nature that surrounds the potential absence of running backs on your rosters can also be compounded if their status remains uncertain as kickoffs approach.

The challenge of reconstructing rosters that have been impacted by injuries will intensify for some of you due to the arrival of bye weeks. Four teams will be impacted this week - Philadelphia, Detroit, Tennessee, and the Los Angeles Chargers. This ensures that anyone with Saquon Barkley, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, or J.K. Dobbins contained on their rosters should avoid starting those backs.

This article will help you navigate these obstacles by locating the most enticing options on your Week 5 waiver wires. The majority of this week’s recommendations remain available in over 40% of all Yahoo leagues and will be listed in three tiers. After you have finished this article that examines running backs you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck in your Week 5 matchups.

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Tier 1: Front-Runners - Week 5 Waiver Wire Running Backs

Prioritize These Running Backs On Waiver Wires

Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 52% Rostered  

Irving’s rostership percentage continues to rise as the promising first-year back has seized a favorable workload in Tampa Bay’s backfield rotation. Irving's consistent effectiveness as a decisive one-cut runner has significantly boosted Liam Coen’s offense. He has also operated more efficiently than Rachaad White in the Buccaneers’ attack.

Irving encountered a hamstring issue before the Buccaneers’ Week 4 matchup with Philadelphia. However, that did not prevent Irving from securing a season-best 42% snap share, accumulating a season-high 10 attempts, or generating 49 rushing yards (4.9 per attempt) and a touchdown.

Bucky Irving's first TD!

📺: #PHIvsTB on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/4Fiwvb3sHT

— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2024

Irving has now accumulated 85 snaps (35.7% share) while assembling 203 rushing yards with his 35 attempts (5.8 yards per attempt). He has also led the Buccaneers in rushing yards or tied for the team lead in all four of his matchups. Irving is also 12th in explosive run percentage (8.6%) according to Fantasy Points Data.

White played on 44 snaps (59.5% share) in Week 4 and accrued 49 rushing yards with his 10 carries. He also produced 35 receiving yards on two receptions and should function as the Buccaneers’ primary pass-catching back during upcoming matchups.

However, Irving appears destined to sustain weekly touch totals that will be beneficial for fantasy managers. Irving is still attainable in nearly 50% of all leagues, but that percentage should evaporate this week.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 52% Rostered

Breece Hall entered Week 4 averaging 15.3 attempts, 56.7 rushing yards, 5.3 receptions, and 20.3 points per game. He delivered uninspiring numbers in Week 4 (12 touches/18 total yards/3.8 points) but currently remains embedded within the elite tier of backs.

Even though Hall’s status as New York’s RB1 is unchanged, Braelon Allen's burgeoning role in the Jets’ backfield rotation has also fueled an unwavering surge in his stock.

Allen played on 27 snaps (36.0% share) and led the Jets in rushing yards (34) in Week 4. That extended the highly talented rookie's season-long totals to 73 snaps/29.8% share, 27 carries, and 130 rushing yards while averaging 4.8 yards per attempt.

TD for rookie @BraelonAllen!! 💨💨💨

📺 #NYJvsTEN on CBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/A7Y4rgCdnL

— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 15, 2024

Allen’s snap counts have risen during all four of New York’s matchups (9/20/23/27). Allen is also fifth overall in yards after contact per attempt (2.5), and is also fifth in missed tackles forced per attempt (0.26) among backs with 10+ carries according to Fantasy Points Data.

Allen has eclipsed the threshold of standalone value and represents the ultimate handcuff for anyone who utilized an early first-round pick on Hall. Allen would escort fantasy managers to league titles if he would launch into an extensive workload during any absence by Hall.

Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals - 61% Rostered 

Chase Brown’s availability has steadily increased since the launch of the regular season. However, his performance during Cincinnati’s Week 4 visit to Carolina should fuel a surge in interest from fantasy managers this week.

CHASE BROWN FINDS THE ENDZONE 🔥
pic.twitter.com/x9SLwuuxeV

— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) September 29, 2024

The second-year back played on 27 snaps (40% share) and carried 15 times in Week 4, which easily exceeded his previous season-high (seven). Brown also generated a season-best 80 rushing yards (5.3 yards per attempt) and two touchdowns.

His performance also propelled him to 12th overall in yardage, and RB5 in scoring (23.2 points) during Week 5. Brown has also accumulated 22 attempts and 142 rushing yards since Week 3 while averaging 6.5 yards per attempt during that span.

Zack Moss led Cincinnati’s backfield with 40 snaps (60% share) in Week 4 while assembling 51 yards with his 15 carries (3.4 per attempt). Moss also paced the backfield in routes run (16), captured all four of his targets, and should continue to operate as the Bengals’ primary back.

However, Brown infuses additional speed and explosiveness into Cincinnati’s backfield whenever he is entrusted with the ball. His proficiency during his last two contests could also lead to increased touch totals at a time when managers are navigating sizable roster challenges.

Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars - 11% Rostered
Tank Bigsby's numbers during Jacksonville’s season opener had seemingly entrenched him among the league’s emerging handcuff options when he established career highs in snap share (32%) attempts (12), and rushing yards (73).

Bigsby did not touch the ball in Week 2 after sustaining a shoulder injury and was limited to nine snaps, two carries, and nine rushing yards in Week 3. However, Bigsby has reappeared on the weekly list of waiver wire targets following the Jaguars’ allocation of touches in Week 4.

Tank Bigsby breaks free to the four-yard line!

📺: #JAXvsHOU on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/YIbK25gX2k

— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2024

Bigsby played on 17 snaps (29% share), led Jacksonville with a career-best 90 rushing yards, and paced all backs with an average of 12.9 yards per attempt. Bigsby has now eclipsed 70+ yards during two of his three matchups and leads all backs with 10+ carries in explosive run percentage (19.0%) according to Fantasy Points Data.

Travis Etienne paced Jacksonville’s backfield in snaps (30/52% share)) and carries (11) while manufacturing 50 rushing yards (4.5 yards per attempt) in Week 4. Etienne also ran 14 routes but was limited to two targets from Trevor Lawrence.

Bigsby's surge in involvement is significant, and he will attain standalone value if his expanded role is sustained during upcoming matchups. He is also a valuable insurance policy for anyone who has invested in Etienne.

Trey Sermon, Indianapolis Colts - 1% Rostered 

Trey Sermon accumulated 25 snaps, four attempts, and 16 rushing yards prior to the Colts’ Week 4 matchup with Pittsburgh. He is now primed to become a popular roster addition due to the high ankle sprain that has been sustained by Jonathan Taylor.

#Colts star RB Jonathan Taylor was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, sources say, thought it’s believed to be a pretty mild version. Indy will get a full report tomorrow, but in the words of one source, “He’s ok.”

Taylor gained 108 yards from scrimmage and a TD today. pic.twitter.com/k55kk2hqYq

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 30, 2024

That injury occurred in the fourth quarter after Taylor had accumulated 48 snaps (735 share), 21 attempts, and 88 rushing yards. Taylor also ran 17 routes, captured three of his four targets, and produced 20 receiving yards.

Sermon played on 17 snaps (26.0% share), carried five times, and manufactured eight rushing yards. While those numbers are uninspiring, Sermon is positioned to function with a massive workload if Taylor is unavailable when Indianapolis travels to Jacksonville on Sunday.

Taylor’s status should be monitored. However, Sermon should provide the remedy for any potential roster crisis for fantasy managers who have Taylor contained on their rosters. All other managers can also target the fourth-year back, who would become an asset if Taylor remains sidelined.

Tier 2: In The Running - Week 5 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters

Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers - 14% Rostered

Emanuel Wilson has performed proficiently in Green Bay’s last two matchups while operating in a rotation with Josh Jacobs. Wilson ascended into his current role after MarShawn Lloyd was sidelined with an ankle injury. Wilson capitalized on his expanding snap share (41%) in Week 3 by establishing career highs in attempts (12), rushing yards (50), and receiving yards (35) during Green Bay’s matchup at Tennessee.

Emanuel Wilson is becoming a problem for Josh Jacobs over the last two games:

Jacobs: 56% snaps, 41% attempts, 47% routes, 10% targets
Wilson: 41%, 36%, 26% , 4%

LaFleur has never given more than 61% of attempts to one back in Green Bay.

Might be turning into a 1A/1B scenario

— Dwain McFarland (@dwainmcfarland) September 29, 2024

Wilson also attained a 39% snap share when the Packers hosted Minnesota in Week 4.  He also carried eight times, assembled 27 rushing yards, and ran 12 routes. Jacobs paced Green Bay's backfield in snap share (61%), carries (nine), and rushing yards (51 ).

Wilson’s involvement during his last two matchups increases the potential for him to retain an ongoing role after Lloyd has resurfaced. Even if that does not transpire, Wilson can be added as a temporary RB3/flex option if your roster has been impacted by injuries, substandard production, and the re-emergence of bye weeks.

Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs - 35% Rostered

Kareem Hunt was promoted to Kansas City’s active roster one week after he had been signed to the Chiefs’ practice squad. This indicated that he could quickly be infused into the team’s backfield rotation with Carson Steele and Samaje Perine.

Andy back in the bag and Kareem Hunt cashing in on every opp pic.twitter.com/2teLfHntQC

— Matt Lane (@Matty_KCSN) September 29, 2024

That transpired when the Chiefs visited AFC West rival Los Angeles in Week 4, as Hunt led Kansas City‘s backfield in snap share (43.1%), attempts (14), and rushing yards (69) while averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. Hunt also ran 11 routes, collected two of his three targets, and registered 16 receiving yards.

Steele quickly accumulated 11 snaps, two carries, and six rushing yards in Week 4 but was benched after he fumbled on Kansas City’s initial drive. Perine carried five times while assembling 14 rushing yards and a touchdown. He also led the Chiefs’ backfield with 15 routes run but failed to register a target.

The allocation of touches could fluctuate during upcoming matchups, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire could resurface from the non-football illness list this week. Those factors should not deter you from adding Hunt, as he should maintain a weekly workload that rewards you for your decision.

Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 14% Rostered  

Justice Hill's ongoing role as Baltimore’s primary pass-catching back will inherently lead to inconsistent usage based on the game scripts that unfold during each specific matchup.

However, Hill’s numbers when the Ravens’ hosted Buffalo in Week 4 provided a reminder that he can be targeted by fantasy managers who are constructing rosters in PPR leagues.

TOUCHDOWN @jhill21_ ❗❗

Tune in on NBC! pic.twitter.com/794z4DxBsa

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 30, 2024

Hill played on 20 snaps (35% share), ran 11 routes, collected six targets, stockpiled a career-high 78 receiving yards, and generated a touchdown. He also carried four times and accrued 18 yards on the ground, while rising to RB7 in scoring (21.6). Hill has now secured a 45.8% snap share since Week 1,, He has also run 63 routes and is sixth among all backs in targets (18), and fifth in receptions (16).

Hill’s current role as Baltimore’s RB2 makes him a viable handcuff for anyone who relies upon Derrick Henry in their lineups, as Hill’s workload would increase even further if Henry is forced to the sideline. All other managers can prioritize Hill on this week’s waiver wire if significant roster challenges have left you searching for flex options.

Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots - 21% Rostered  

Antonio Gibson has been operating as New England’s RB2 behind Rhamondre Stevenson. That has made him a viable insurance policy for anyone who utilizes Stevenson in their lineups, as Gibson’s workload would expand if Stevenson would be sidelined for any reason.

Gibson’s prospective rise into an increased role could be accelerated if Stevenson’s recent propensity to fumble compels head coach Jarod Mayo to shift the allocation of touches within the Patriots’ backfield.

Stevenson had seemingly cemented his status as New England’s RB1 when he signed a four-year $36 million contract with the Patriots in June. However, he has also fumbled a league-high four times entering the matchups of Week 5.

Gibson has also been efficient with his opportunities while rising to 10th in yards per attempt 5.3. He is also third in both yards after contact per attempt (3.0), and rush yards over expected per attempt (1.9) according to Next Gen Stats.

Gibson’s effectiveness during his first four games and the emerging uncertainty surrounding Stevensons’ status should incentivize you to add Gibson if you are searching for additional options at running back.

Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers - 66% Rostered 

The only occasions in which running backs that are available in less than 40% of all leagues will be mentioned in this column will take place if their rostership percentage has barely eclipsed 60%. An exception will be made to remind you that the return of Jonathon Brooks is increasingly imminent.

The Panthers had placed Brooks on the non-football injury (NFI) list due to his extended recovery from a torn ACL. Brooks will be eligible to resurface in advance of Carolina’s Week 5 matchup with Chicago.

Jonathon Brooks in a Dave Canales run heavy offense is going to be VERY fun to watch on Sundays

Soon… #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/77hzgUMt29

— Justin Dolloff (@JustinDolloff) September 25, 2024

That does not guarantee that Brooks will immediately catapult Chuba Hubbard for lead back responsibilities on the Panther’s depth chart. However, his return will eventually have a dramatic impact on the allocation of touches within Carolina’s backfield.

Brooks can perform effectively as a three-down back once he regains his health. He flourished during the final season of his collegiate career, as he accumulated 187 carries (17 per game), 1,139 rushing yards, (103.5 per game), and 10 touchdowns. He also registered 0.34 missed tackles forced per attempt and 4.1 yards after contact per attempt according to PFF. Brooks remains available in 34% of all leagues but the opportunity to seize him will soon evaporate.

Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys - 48% Rostered

Rico Dowdle's output and efficiency do not match the numbers that are being delivered by several other backs that are also included in this week’s recommendations.

However, Dowdle has been operating with the most extensive workload among members of the Dallas backfield since Week 3. This has elevated him into consideration as a viable roster addition.

Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott had originally secured snap shares of 44.4% in Weeks 1-2 and each back had generated 56 rushing yards during that span. Dowdle’s snap share easily exceeds Elliott’s since Week 3 (46.3%/19.0%), while Dowdle has also eclipsed Elliott’s totals in attempts (19/8) and rushing yards (78/25) during that two-game sequence.

#Cowboys Week 4 RB Usage

- Rico Dowdle: 47% snaps, 11 carries, 10 routes, 1 target (61 yds, TD)
- Hunter Luepke: 35% snaps, 2 carries, 12 routes, 2 targets (22 yds)
- Ezekiel Elliott: 18% snaps, 5 carries, 1 tagt (24 yds)

Luepke played 35% of RB snaps - played elsewhere as well

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 27, 2024

That includes Dowdle’s involvement in Week 4, when he led the Cowboys backfield in snap share (47%), attempts (11), and total yards (61). Dowdle also produced his first touchdown of the season on a 15-yard reception.

shoutout to the 4% of people who started Rico Dowdle tonight pic.twitter.com/89SnPeDFna

— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) September 27, 2024

Elliott was limited to a 17.7% snap share, carried five times, and manufactured 19 rushing yards (3.8 yards per attempt). Fullback Hunter Luepke operated with a 49.0% snap share and collected both of his targets. However, he was limited to two carries and eight rushing yards. Dowdle is still available in over 50% of all leagues and can be deployed as a low-end RB3/flex in your lineups.

Tier 3: Dark Horses - Week 5 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Emerge In Your Lineups

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 23% Rostered 

Tyler Allgeier has remained a mainstay in this column even though his current workload in Atlanta’s backfield rotation fails to match the numbers that he attained in 2022 and 2023 - even though his usage and output increased in Week 4.

Allgeier’s ongoing role as the Falcons’ RB2 behind Bijan Robinson had inhibited his usage and production in Weeks 1-3, while offensive coordinator Zac Robinson deployed (Bijan) Robinson extensively from Weeks 1-3 (82% snap share/16.0 attempts/65.3 rushing yards per game).

Allgeier's averages of 6.3 attempts/35.3 yards per game from Weeks 1-3 also remained below his averages in Arthur Smith’s offense during his previous two seasons (12.0 attempts/52.1 yards/per game).

Allgeier also accrued 75 carries inside the red zone and averaged 10.0/8.1 points per game during 2022-2023. He has been limited to six carries inside the 20-yard line this season while averaging 4.3 points per game.

However, Allgeier operated with a season-high 38% snap share, led the Falcons in carries (eight), and rushing yards (60), and averaged 7.5 yards per attempt in Week 4,

Robinson had eclipsed an 82% snap share during two of his first three matchups (82%/75%/82%), but his share decreased to 61% in Week 4. It is unclear whether Allgeier's involvement will continue to expand when contrasted with the Falcons' first three contests.

However, Allgeier’s ability to capitalize on favorable workloads during his first two seasons has already cemented him among the most dependable handcuffs available on the waiver wire.

That presents the rationale for adding Allgeier, as he will deliver RB2 production outings if Bijan Robinson is sidelined during the regular season.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants - 3% Rostered

Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s ongoing opportunity to function as the Giants’ RB2 already secures his place among the league’s most viable insurance policies. Any substantive increase in Tracy’s involvement as the season advances would also ensure that he can operate as a roster asset for all other managers.

Tracy has now played on 35 snaps during New York’s last two outings. He has also carried nine times, assembled 25 yards on the ground, run 20 routes, and generated 36 yards as a receiving weapon.

Tracy’s usage and output since Week 3 exceed the season-long numbers accumulated by Eric Gray, who is stationed below Tracy on the Giants’ depth chart (15 snaps/four attempts/seven rushing yards/one target).

Devin Singletary is cemented as the Giants’ feature back while averaging 14.0 attempts, 65.7 rushing yards, 3.0 receptions, and 19.3 receiving yards per game – which are all career-highs.

However, Tracy would ascend into RB1 duties for New York if Singletary cannot perform in his usual capacity.  Davis could deliver RB2 production if that situation develops, which presents your incentive to add him this week.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 27% Rostered

Roschon Johnson’s increased involvement in Chicago’s backfield rotation during the Bears’ last two outings has launched him among this week’s list of backs to stash on your rosters.

Johnson failed to register a touch in Weeks 1-2. However, he has now secured a 36.2% snap share. carried 15 times, and assembled 56 rushing yards since Week 3. He has also run 27 routes, while collecting four of his five targets, and produced 32 receiving yards.

Johnson’s ascending usage would have launched him near the top of this week’s priorities if D'Andre Swift’s eroding status as Chicago’s primary back had continued in Week 4. Swift’s snap shares had steadily declined (70%/66%/53%) from Weeks 1-3, while he had also delivered microscopic averages in yards per attempt during Weeks 2-3 (1.29/1.54).

However, Swift attained a 63% snap share in Week 4, while establishing season highs in attempts (16), and rushing yards (93). Swift also ran 16 routes, captured all seven of his targets, and assembled a season-best 72 receiving yards.

Johnson is not a threat to pilfer Swift’s lead back duties but should minimally operate as a third-down back. He would also vault into an expanded workload if Swift is sidelined for any reason.

Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers - 3% Rostered 

Isaac Guerendo has now emerged among the most enticing handcuffs that can be secured by fantasy managers due to his proximity to massive a workload in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

Guerendo has accumulated modest numbers (15 snaps/six attempts/19+ rushing yards) during San Francisco's last two matchups while operating as the direct backup to Jordan Mason. Guerendo has also run seven routes, although he has yet to register a target. His involvement as a rusher and pass catcher could rise during upcoming matchups providing that Christian McCaffrey remains sidelined (Achilles tendinitis).

However, even though Guerendo is not currently operating with a workload that is sufficient to attain standalone value, the motivation for adding him surrounds his prospects of functioning as the 49ers’ RB1 if Mason is forced to the sideline.

The lingering uncertainty regarding McCaffrey‘s status creates the potential for Guerendo to sustain his role as the 49ers RB2. It also provides the incentive for seizing Guerendo if Mason is contained on your rosters. Guerendo is also a viable stash candidate for all managers, as he could become a highly productive resource during the season.

Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider

• Cam Akers - 39% Rostered 
• Alexander Mattison - 33% Rostered
• Ray Davis - 11% Rostered
• Jaylen Wright - 10% Rostered 

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