Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 2: Top Free Agent Adds Include Jeff Wilson, Jaylen Warren, Khalil Herbert, Isiah Pacheco

As you now read this week’s recommendations from the waiver wire, you have already experienced the first installment of this year’s highly-anticipated regular season matchups. This has provided you with a chance to evaluate the running backs on your rosters as they performed during their season openers.

Many of you should be satisfied with the output that your backs delivered in Week 1, and other managers should be ecstatic. However, some of you are now contending with injuries and underwhelming performances at a position that remains both critical and volatile on a weekly basis. If you are incentivized to explore this week’s fantasy football waiver wire pickups, this article will help you locate the most enticing options entering Week 2.

These recommendations will appear in three tiers - beginning with the most enticing and progressing to options for managers that are struggling with desperation. You will also find a group of backs that can be dropped in order for you to secure your replacements. After you've finished this breakdown, you can also find NFL news and injuries updates and data-fueled analysis that is designed to help you maximize the scoring potential of your rosters.

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Fantasy Football Running Back Leaders

Frontrunners - Week 2 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These running backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires. Some will be more beneficial in PPR leagues.

Jeff Wilson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 16% Rostered

UPDATE 9/13: Elijah Mitchell was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury, and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

Wilson’s protracted recovery from meniscus surgery sidelined him until Week 10 last season, and his average of 3.7 yards per attempt during San Francisco’s final nine matchups failed to approach the 4.8 per game average that he attained in 2020.

However, Wilson is healthy now and began Week 1 as the RB2 behind Elijah Mitchell.  Wilson’s status was solidified when Tyrion Davis-Price became a healthy scratch during the 49ers’ season opener.

This isn’t good

Jeff Wilson Jr gonna be a very popular name on waivers https://t.co/Fh5bkMiFf9

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 11, 2022

Wilson also elevated into an expanded role during the second quarter after Mitchell was sidelined by a knee injury. He ultimately led San Francisco’s backfield with nine attempts while Deebo Samuel also accumulated eight carries. Wilson also collected both of his targets from Trey Lance and would confiscate a larger workload if Mitchell is unavailable when the 49ers host Seattle on Sunday.

Mitchell has already been impacted by a collection of health issues that forced a six-game absence during 2021 shoulder/rib/finger/concussion/knee), and also contended with a hamstring injury in August. Now, he will be sidelined for multiple weeks, while Wilson will confiscate a sizable workload during his absence.

That has vaulted Wilson among this week’s top priorities on the waiver wire. Jordan Mason is also worthy of consideration if you are building rosters in deeper leagues.

Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears - 42% Rostered

Herbert provides fantasy managers with an intriguing waiver wire prospect due to the effectiveness that he displayed while operating with a massive workload in 2021, and his role in Chicago’s reshaped offense during Week 1.

The @ChicagoBears are on a roll! #DaBears

📺: #SFvsCHI on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/8gCtJMnwZ7 pic.twitter.com/cuEAo0NCh0

— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2022

Herbert soared to second in attempts from Weeks 5-8 (78/19.5 per game) when David Montgomery’s knee injury vaulted him into lead back duties for the Bears. He also finished fourth in yardage (344/86 per game) and was third in yards after contact during that sequence.

His proficiency was not rewarded when Montgomery reemerged in the Bears’ lineup. However, new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is now the architect of Chicago’s attack, which has appeared to supply Herbert with an expanded role during his second season.

The results in Week 1 were encouraging, as Herbert carried nine times and led the Bears in rushing yards (45/5.0 per attempt) while also generating a three-yard touchdown. Montgomery paced Chicago with 17 carries, but only managed 24 yards (1.5 per attempt).

Herbert’s vision and burst can help him maximize his opportunities, and he would approach RB1 status for fantasy managers if Montgomery would be sidelined for any reason. 

Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers - 4% Rostered

Warren only accumulated 407 carries and 2,037 rushing yards during three collegiate seasons, including his numbers during his only year at Oklahoma State: (256 attempts/19.7 per game), (1,216 yards/93.5 per game). However, he later became a potential roster option in deeper leagues after catapulting beyond Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland Jr. into RB2 responsibilities for Pittsburgh.

Warren earned that distinction through his efforts during training camp and the preseason, and his role as direct backup to Harris is unquestioned. This is underscored by the lack of usage in Week 1 for Snell and McFarland, who both failed to register a touch.

However, Warren has now launched into consideration among this week’s most viable roster additions due to initial uncertainty surrounding the health of Najee Harris  - who was unable to finish Pittsburgh’s Week 1 matchup with division rival Cincinnati. This underscored Warren’s importance to the Steelers’ attack, as his value would rise significantly if Harris would be forced from the Steelers' lineup.

This is the Jaylen Warren blitz pickup I mentioned on the post-game show. #Steelers #RideorDieCrew pic.twitter.com/nO8jzBcFBb

— Jeff Hartman (@JHartman_PIT) September 12, 2022

It appears that Harris eluded a serious health issue, and could be available when Pittsburgh hosts New England. However, that does not diminish the importance of attaining Warren, who would seize lead back duties for the Steelers if Harris is inactive for any reason during the year.

In The Running - Week 2 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These running backs remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.

Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs - 30% Rostered

Pacheco accumulated 563 rushing attempts (13.1 per game) and 2,442 yards (56.8 per game), during his career at Rutgers, while also collecting 47 receptions (1.1 per game) and generating 249 yards (5.8 per game) as a receiver. He later became the 24th (and final) back to be selected during April’s NFL Draft, but the 5’10”, 215-pound rookie has eviscerated those minimal expectations.

Pacheco was consistently impressive during training camp and the preseason, and his stock will now elevate even further after he garnered a team-high 12 rushing attempts during Kansas City’s Week 1 matchup with Arizona. Pacheco also paced the Chiefs with 62 rushing yards, while averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. He also led Clyde Edwards-Helaire in both categories, as Edwards-Helaire amassed 42 yards with his seven carries (6.0 per attempt).

Pacheco is a relentless runner, who possesses the size and speed to retain an ongoing role in Andy Reid’s attack. He will also benefit from operating in the Chiefs’ high-octane offense, which elevates him among this week’s most intriguing options.

James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars - 58% Rostered

Robinson’s meteoric rise into relevance during his 2020 rookie season was launched when he became the fourth undrafted rookie to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards. He also led the Jaguars in attempts (164/11.7 per game) and rushing yardage 767/54.8 per game) during 2021, even though his season was concluded abruptly by a torn Achilles in Week 16.

This ignited uncertainty surrounding his status entering Week 1. His ability to regain a significant workload was also unclear due to the presence of Travis Etienne, who would resurface following his own protracted injury (Lisfranc).

However, Robinson was impressive while leading Jacksonville in rushing attempts (11) and rushing yardage (66) in Week 1. He also averaged 6.0 yards per attempt and generated a touchdown. Robinson shared touches with Etienne, who accumulated six touches and assembled 65 total yards. Etienne’s explosiveness supplies home run potential and should keep him involved in Doug Pederson’s offense.

That should not discourage you from elevating Robinson among your primary targets from the waiver wire, as he will retain his role in a rotation with Etienne. Robinson is still available in 42% of all leagues, but that number will drop significantly this week.

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers -  37% Rostered

White was the fourth running back to be selected during last April’s NFL draft when Tampa Bay selected him in Round 3. This placed him in a Buccaneer backfield that is utilizing Leonard Fournette as the primary back. However, White has quickly seized a role as the direct backup to Fournette.

White successfully leapfrogged former third-round selection Ke'Shawn Vaughn and 10-year-veteran Giovani Bernard, as his effectiveness as a pass-catcher accelerated the process.

Fournette retained a sizable workload during Tampa Bay's Week 1 matchup in Dallas, as he carried 21 times, and finished fifth among all backs in Week 1 with 127 rushing yards.

White's workload was respectable during his NFL debut, as he accumulated eight touches. He carried six times, and also collected both of his targets from Tom Brady. White only manufactured 21 total yards, although his efficiency should improve as he develops at the professional level.

White should easily sustain his role as the Buccaneers' RB2 and would become the beneficiary of a significant workload if the 27-year-old Fournette would be unavailable for any reason during the year. That has launched White among this week’s most enticing options, and his availability is destined to decline.

Dark Horses - Week 2 Waiver Wire Running Backs 

This group consists of running backs that can be added if you are willing to wait for the possibility of a larger role during the year or consider your situation to be desperate due to injuries.

Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 48% Rostered

Gainwell became the featured recommendation during last week’s waiver wire column, in anticipation of his expanded involvement in Philadelphia’s increasingly potent attack. His Week 1 workload was not mammoth, although he has secured a role within the Eagles’ backfield.

Gainwell accumulated seven touches during Philadelphia’s season opener, five of which occurred on the ground. He also manufactured 20 yards and produced a two-yard touchdown.

Punch it in, @KENNETHGAINWEL😎

📺: #PHIvsDET on FOX pic.twitter.com/TASRbr4dNF

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 11, 2022

He was also targeted four times by Jalen Hurts, which led the Eagles’ backfield during their matchup.

Miles Sanders was fully recovered from his recent hamstring issue and functioned as the team’s lead back. He led Philadelphia’s backfield with 13 carries, and also assembled a team-high 96 rushing yards. Boston Scott was also involved in the touch distribution, as he amassed 10 rushing yards with his four carries.

Gainwell is not a threat to supplant Sanders as the Eagles’ RB1, but he should attain a weekly allotment of targets and additional carries near the goal line. He is now available in over 50% of all leagues and presents fantasy managers with a viable flex option.

Jamaal Williams, Detroit Williams - 47% Rostered

You might not be energized to seize Williams when you are perusing backs that remain available on your waiver wire. However, his role within Detroit’s backfield remains far more secure than many other options who might initially appear more enticing.

He is sustaining his role in a rotation with D’Andre Swift for a second consecutive season while functioning with responsibilities that enabled him to establish career bests in rushing yardage (601/46.2 per game) and rushing first downs (42) during 2021.

.@jswaggdaddy for 6❗️#PHIvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/L7XUSlI0vo

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 11, 2022

Williams carried 11 times when the Lions hosted Philadelphia during their season opener. He also maximized his opportunities near the goal line by generating two touchdowns. Williams was also targeted two times by Jared Goff during Detroit’s Week 1 matchup.

Swift exploded for 175 total yards with his 18 touches, and his role as the Lions’ RB1 is unchallenged. Williams will also function without a legitimate threat to his weekly touch total, as he remains securely above Craig  Reynolds on the depth chart. He is also a savvy addition for anyone who has invested in Swift.

Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings- 61% Rostered

Running backs who are rostered in at least 60% of current leagues are normally excluded from this weekly column. However, there are occasional exceptions when it is beneficial to include a back with expanding availability. This applies to Mattison, whose percentage has gradually declined to the periphery of 60%.

His continued role as Minnesota’s RB2 behind Dalvin Cook remained unaltered during the Vikings’ season opener, as Mattison assembled 36 rushing yards with his eight attempts.

Cook accumulated 20 carries and generated 90 rushing yards, while he also captured three of his five targets in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s reshaped offense. His history of injuries has been widely discussed, as it has resulted in 25 missed games since 2017. Mattison remains primed to operate with a massive workload if Cook encounters another health issue during the season.

That would launch Mattison into RB1 territory for fantasy managers if that scenario develops. This should incentivize you to secure him if you are reliant on Cook as a starter for your rosters. It will also allow you to avoid significant competition from other managers if Cook is unavailable during the upcoming weeks.

Also-Rans - Time To Say Goodbye

These running backs can be dropped in order to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year.

Mike Davis, Baltimore Ravens - 16% Rostered

J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are still recovering from the torn ACLs that they suffered over one year ago, and their absence has continued to impact the Ravens’ deployment of their backs. It also fueled a temporary rotation of Kenyan Drake and Mike Davis during Baltimore’s season opener, although Drake easily confiscated the most extensive workload. He led the Ravens in carries (11) and generated 31 yards on the ground while also capturing his only target from Lamar Jackson.

While those numbers are uninspiring, they exceeded the results that were registered by Davis. He only carried twice, manufactured 11 yards, and failed to provide any incentive for fantasy managers to believe that he can function as a resource for their rosters.

Edwards’ presence on the reserve/PUP list ensures that he cannot function as a resource for fantasy managers until at least Week 5. The status of Dobbins should also be monitored as the week advances, but Drake should accrue touches even if Dobbins reemerges when the Ravens host Miami on Sunday.

However, there is no indication that Davis can capitalize on his opportunities, and he can be safely removed from your rosters.

Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins - 56% Rostered

This might appear to be an overreaction to the condensed sample size of Week 1 matchups. However, this recommendation is geared toward any fantasy managers who are having difficulty determining drop candidates while attempting to address multiple roster needs that have suddenly emerged.

Miami’s offense was on display for the first time since the backfield was restructured during the offseason. This involved the additions of Mostert, Chase Edmonds, and Sony Michel. Michel was released in August, which disentangled the congested backfield while reducing the rotation to Edmonds and Mostert.

However, Edmonds’ was easily Mike McDaniel’s preferred option in Week 1, as he accumulated 16 touches, and assembled 65 total yards. Edmond also led Miami with 12 carries and tied with Jaylen Waddle for second among all Dolphins with four targets.

Mostert was limited to six touches and only manufactured 32 total yards. He also managed just 16 yards with his five rushing attempts (3.2 yards per attempt).

To be clear, any inclination toward removing Mostert should be predicated on the need to address multiple issues due to injuries, or other concerning developments that have emerged with players on your rosters.

Ronald Jones, Kansas City Chiefs - 8% Rostered

We enter Week 2 with a dearth of legitimate drop candidates who are also rostered in a large percentage of leagues. That shifts the focus to backs who can be extracted without hesitation this week. This includes Jones, following the latest unwanted development since he signed with Kansas City. Jones entered Week 1 with only a fragment of value after rampant speculation that he would not be included on the Chiefs ' 53-man roster.

His status degenerated even further after he was included among KC’s inactives during the season opener. Clyde-Edwards Helaire commandeered lead back duties when the Chiefs visited Arizona (stats), while Jerick McKinnon (stats), and Isiah Pacheco were also deployed in Andy Reid’s attack.

This represents the latest installment of Jones’ career descent, which includes his declining numbers during 2021. Jones carried 101 times (6.3 per game) and manufactured just 428 rushing yards (26.8 per game) last season, while he was also restricted to only 13 targets during the year.

If you are among the managers who still have Jones contained on your roster, you can easily locate a better option this week.

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