Fantasy football managers have not had to worry about too many running back injuries so far this season. But that all changed in Week 3. De'Von Achane is out for the season with a torn ACL in a turn of events that will be devastating for some fantasy teams. That is on top of other established players like Breece Hall and Travis Etienne Jr. being a bit banged up.
Now more than ever it is important to be mindful about which running backs you choose to start in fantasy.
Here are three start and sit recommendations at the running back position ahead of Week 4 of the 2026 fantasy football season.
Week 4 Start ‘Em Running Backs
Chuba Hubbard, Panthers vs. Lions
It is no secret that Detroit's defense has been a mess this season. In fact, they rank 31st in the NFL in total yards allowed per game at 416.7 through three games.
Meanwhile, the Panthers will be without Jaycee Horn And Mike Jackson Jr. in the secondary. That will leave them ill equipped to stop Jared Goff and the Detroit offense through the air. And that's completely ignoring Jahmyr Gibbs.
So what does all of this have to do with Hubbard?
The point is that there may be very little actual defense played on Sunday Night Football. As a result, Lions and Panthers players should be excellent choices in fantasy football.
If this does become a high-scoring game, Hubbard will be a fantastic option at running back. Especially with Jonathon Brooks injured an unable to vulture touches.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars at Bengals
Fantasy managers already know that Tuten has been surprisingly good in fantasy this season.
The second-year running back has 43 carries for 204 rushing yards and two touchdowns through three games. That is good for 4.7 yards per carry.
One reason why Tuten is a start is simply believing in his talent. Another reason is because of the opponent they face this week.
On paper the Bengals defense has been solid at stopping the run. But that did not stop Jaylen Warren from ripping off 127 rushing yards in Week 3.
If Cincinnati continues playing at that level, then Tuten could be in for a huge game. Fortunately, Tuten receives enough volume that he should be viable in fantasy even if he's slightly less efficient this week.
Either way, start Tuten with confidence in Week 4.
Aaron Jones, Vikings vs. Dolphins
Jones has received plenty of work so far this season and it certainly helps that Jordan Mason has been out with an injury.
Minnesota is sitting pretty at 3-0 and faces off against arguably the worst team in the NFL in Miami. It doesn't take a seasoned NFL fan to smell a potential blowout.
When looking ahead at a potential blowout, it is important to look at how the better team wants to assert its will in such a scenario. The Vikings under Kevin O'Connell simply love running the football, even if it means fewer targets for Justin Jefferson.
Speaking of Jefferson, he is day to day with an ankle injury. At this point, it is unclear if he will play on Sunday.
It is easy to imagine a world where Minnesota rests Jefferson against an inferior opponent and just pounds the rock all day. If that does happen, Jones could be the start of the week in Week 4.
Article Continues BelowWeek 4 Sit ‘Em Running Backs
Quinshon Judkins, Browns vs. Steelers
There's not an easy way to sugarcoat it, Judkins has been awful in fantasy this year.
Judkins is certainly getting the volume of an RB2, but his efficiency simply isn't there. He is averaging 3.0 yards per carry, which is swayed by the fact that he had 3.9 yards per carry in Week 3. Before then, he was even worse.
There is certainly a place for players like Judkins in fantasy football. Judkins is obviously touchdown dependent and those scores just haven't been there this year. Even without touchdowns, Judkins has been good for roughly eight or nine fantasy points per game. That is a pretty respectable floor, but a terrible ceiling.
Judkins will have his moments this year, but it probably won't come against a good Steelers defense.
Javonte Williams, Cowboys at Texans
The 2026 version of Williams is nowhere near as efficient as he was last season. He is still a very useful player in fantasy football, but not an every week starter.
Fantasy managers should think twice before starting Williams in Week 4.
Houston's vaunted defense speaks for itself at this point. The Texans are still one of the NFL's best units at stopping the run, only allowing 86.7 yards per game thus far. Houston's defense was not perfect last week, but their secondary was the issue and not the front seven.
It is simply too risky to start Williams this week. But if you're in a pinch, he is a decent high-floor pick just like Judkins.
Alvin Kamara, Saints vs. Falcons
Travis Etienne Jr. is out with a hamstring injury, which should mean more touches for Kamara. But don't expect the version of Kamara that we all know and love.
The 31-year-old veteran has not looked like his old self since the 2024 season. Yes, he should get more touches in Week 4, but he won't be in full control of the backfield. Instead he should share carries with Kendre Miller, who already has 13 carries through three games.
If you're desperate at the running back position, Kamara is a decent option this week. That said, he should not be a priority start. Especially against a Falcons defense that is sneaky good against the run.