Ezekiel Elliott Injury: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Replacement Pickups (Week 8)

With the injury to Ezekiel Elliott, fantasy football managers are likely left with a void on their roster. Let’s check out the extent of the injury and late-minute pickups you can target on your waiver wire ahead of Week 8.

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Ezekiel Elliott Injury Outlook

Ezekiel Elliott officially doubtful for Week 8

According to Chris Emma of 670 The Score, RB Ezekiel Elliott is listed as doubtful for Sunday for the Dallas Cowboys.

Fantasy Impact

Elliott has been out of practice and trending in the direction of missing Week 8, and now he is unlikely to play. Elliott has often played through injury, so it’s not impossible he plays, but most likely he will take some time off to heal. In the meantime, RB Tony Pollard becomes an intriguing start against the Chicago Bears.

Last-Minute Waiver Wire Replacements to Target

Latavius Murray (RB – DEN) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (31.2% Rostered)

The Denver backfield has become a fantasy nightmare since Javonte Williams suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 4. While Melvin Gordon was expected to take over as the featured back, the Broncos have used running back by committee situation over the past few weeks. However, Murray has played well since joining the team in Week 5. Over the past two games, he led the team in rushing attempts (23), yards (90), and half-point PPR fantasy points (16.2). More importantly, the veteran leads all running backs in snaps played since joining the team.

Furthermore, Murray led all running backs in fantasy points scored last week despite Gordon getting the start and earning more snaps and touches. Meanwhile, the Jaguars have surrendered 22.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game to running backs this season, the eighth-most in the NFL. They have given up over 110 rushing yards to the position in three of their past four games. Moreover, Jacksonville surrendered five rushing touchdowns to running backs over the past month, the fourth-most in the NFL during that span. Hopefully, Murray can find the end zone for the second time in London this year.

Matt Breida (RB – NYG) vs. Seattle Seahawks (1.3% Rostered)

Finding running backs off the waiver wire is difficult, but finding last-minute replacement options is a nightmare. Nonetheless, Breida is a solid dart throw target this week. The veteran running back has very little fantasy value as long as Saquon Barkley is healthy. Yet, his snaps and touches have increased lately. Over the past three weeks, Breida has played at least 23% of the snaps in each game. Furthermore, the veteran has five or more touches in all three contests. While he has averaged only 3.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game during that span, Breida has averaged 4.4 yards per touch during those three games.

More importantly, this week’s matchup is excellent for the running back. The Seahawks have given up 25 half-point PPR fantasy points per game to the position this year, the fifth-most in the NFL. Furthermore, Seattle has surrendered 104.1 rushing yards per game to running backs, giving up over 100 rushing yards to the position in all but two games. While Barkley should rip apart the Seahawks’ defense, Breida has the speed needed to take one of his touches to the house. Hopefully, he sees a few extra touches this week and can pull off a miracle for desperate fantasy players.