Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (ankle) now has two explosive, week-winning games for fantasy managers under his belt, and is emerging as one of the league's most exciting breakout players of 2024 after a disappointing rookie season. He appears to have fully put his first-year struggles behind him.
He now has to games of 23 or more PPR fantasy points in his last four efforts, and is making a serious case for more volume, even when lead back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) returns. In his absence, Bigsby has been the clear primary running back, handling 26 and 18 carries in his last two contests.
He's been listed on the injury report recently, but will he play in Week 9?
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Is Tank Bigsby Injured or Playing in Week 9?
He's dealing with an ankle issue and completed three limited practice sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. He's now listed as "Questionable" on the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, it looks like the second-year pro will indeed play.
#Jaguars Injury Update: LG Ezra Cleveland (ankle) doubtful vs. Eagles. RG Brandon Scherff (knee), RB Travis Etienne (hamstring), WR Brian Thomas Jr. (chest), WR Gabe Davis (shoulder) will be game time decisions. CB Ronald Darby (hip) and RB Tank Bigsby (ankle) are good to go.
— Kainani Stevens (@KainaniStevens) November 1, 2024
The injury may not be serious, or it may be that No. 4 is being load-managed in practice to account for his increased workload in games.
Tank Bigsby Fantasy Football Injury Outlook
If he can't go, the backfield work will obviously be split among the other healthy backs, but it remains to be seen if Etienne, who is also "Questionable" and listed as a game-time decision, can play. If neither play, third-string tailback D'Ernest Johnson will handle the majority of the backfield duties. Fourth-stringer Keilan Robinson is on injured reserve.
HOLY COW what a catch by D'Ernest Johnson!!! pic.twitter.com/90fyPXTamD
— FinCuts (@FinCuts) August 19, 2023
Johnson primarily plays on passing downs when he does get playing time, and is a solid start in PPR if he's the only healthy back to go into Sunday. It's unlikely that this will be the case, though. As was said, Bigsby is expected to play, and fantasy managers can expect more big things from him this season.
I would like to formally apologize for making fun of Tank Bigsby for having the nickname Tank at just 210 pounds.
I was not familiar with your game. pic.twitter.com/rmARLGUQWn
— Scott Spratt (@Scott_Spratt) October 30, 2024
He's a stud. He'll likely only be limited by tough matchups and game scripts getting out of hand, though his increased involvement in the passing game could be a great sign. He could be an every-down back at some point in the future.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
More Fantasy Football Analysis