Mark Ingram Injury Update Boosts J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards Fantasy Outlook for Week 8

Update (2:55 p.m. EST, Thursday Oct. 29): Mark Ingram missed the Baltimore Ravens' Thursday practice. He appears unlikely to suit up against the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend. Gus Edwards would be a low-end RB3 without Ingram in this matchup, while J.K. Dobbins would be a risky FLEX option this weekend.

Baltimore Ravens lead running back Mark Ingram missed Wednesday's practice due to a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 6. This news continues what has been an underwhelming season for Ingram's fantasy managers, and he appears to be in legitimate in danger of missing Week 8. It's particularly worrying since he had the Week 7 bye to heal up, so his injury may be more severe than we thought.

If Ingram can't go, his stablemates J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards could be looking at a sizable boost in fantasy value, albeit in a difficult matchup with the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers.

J.K. Dobbins Fantasy Outlook

Any manager who took the plunge on Dobbins would love to see him get a big uptick in volume. Unfortunately, that's not exactly a guarantee.

Though the rookie theoretically has far more upside than Edwards, Dobbins has been running as Baltimore's third-string back. Ingram leads the way with 50 carries among the Ravens' RBs, while Edwards checks in at No. 2 with 48 while Dobbins is pulling up the rear with just 25 totes. Factor in Lamar Jackson (50 carries) and Dobbins is technically the team's fourth option in the run game.

Not only is his volume a concern, but the Ohio State product will also have to deal with arguably the best defense in the league. Pittsburgh is the No. 1 rush defense in Football Outsiders' DVOA metrics, surrendering just 68.8 rushing yards per game on 3.4 yards per carry (both rank No. 2 in the NFL).

Even if Ingram misses this one, it'll be tough to view Dobbins as more than anything but a risky, low-floor FLEX option in Week 8.

Gus Edwards Fantasy Outlook

Much to the frustration of fantasy managers, Edwards appears to be the much safer play. His 48 carries are only a hair below what Jackson and Ingram have recorded thus far.

He's not likely to generate many chunk plays, but he's a good bet to receive double-digit carries and some goal-line work. He offers next to nothing as a receiver, however, seeing 3 targets and 0 receptions on the year. That could open the door for the rookie for Dobbins to contribute a bit more as a pass-catcher.

But as with Dobbins, the Steelers present some real matchup problems. Edwards is probably going to be a low-end FLEX or RB3 option if you're in a pinch.

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Max Staley is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Max Staley also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username mstaley1212. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.