If you’re a running back and you play in the NFL, chances are you gut hurt on Sunday. Tim Hightower and Earnest Graham suffered season-ending injuries, while Willis McGahee and Beanie Wells sustained injuries that could keep them out a few weeks. Additionally, Marshawn Lynch, Mark Ingram, and Darren McFadden also got nicked. We’ll explore the status of each running back.
Tim Hightower, Redskins: Hightower injured his left knee after planting to make a cut against the Panthers Sunday. Anytime a running back or receiver gets carted off a field with a knee injury, you have to worry about a torn ACL. That was the case for Hightower who is done for the season. Ryan Torain is expected to become the lead back with Roy Helu mixing in as the change of pace guy.
Willis McGahee, Broncos: McGahee broke the fourth metacarpal in his right hand during the third quarter of Sunday’s win at Miami. He had 18 carries for 76 yards before leaving the game. Willis needs surgery on the hand and is likely to miss two weeks. Knowshon Moreno and Lance Ball split carries after the injury, and we expect that to continue with Willis out. Moreno may see slightly more action because he’s also a good pass catcher.
