Injuries claimed several starting running backs this week. Christian McCaffery landed on Injured Reserve (IR), and Kenneth Walker missed Week 2 with an abdominal injury. McCaffery’s status elevates Jordan Mason off the handcuff list, as he is now the starter in San Francisco. In Seattle, Walker’s injury could linger a bit, although he avoided a trip to the IR, meaning Zach Charbonnet moves to our top spot.

Another injury to monitor is Isiah Pacheco, who fractured his fibula on Sunday during the fourth quarter of the Chiefs’ win. Pacheco’s injury opens up a couple of pathways for backups. Carson Steele and Samaje Perine would likely split time if Pacheco is out, although I tend to favor Perine in that situation. The Chiefs could go with a more pass-heavy game plan, which would suit Perine’s style.

Finally, Joe Mixon left Houston’s win with an ankle injury and didn’t return. With Dameon Pierce missing the game with a hamstring injury of his own, Cam Akers had seven carries but fumbled near the goal line. Dare Ogunbowale was involved on passing downs and, like Perine, could be the primary beneficiary if Mixon were to miss significant time. Still, Houston would probably be more likely to put the ball in C.J. Stroud‘s hands and let the passing game do the heavy lifting. Therefore, I am not confident in any of the three backups here.

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Running Back Handcuff Rankings

1. Zach Charbonnet (RB – SEA)

Charbonnet played 95% of the snaps and had 19 touches in Seattle’s win over New England. He wasn’t efficient running the ball, averaging just 2.7 YPC, but he found his way into the endzone and added five receptions for 31 yards through the air. The snap share is exactly what we are looking for in a handcuff, and Charbonnet will dominate looks when Walker misses (which seems to be multiple games a year).

2. Bucky Irving (RB – TB)

This might be the last week to get in on Bucky Irving at a reduced rate. Rachaad White still saw 70% of the snaps but did virtually nothing with his touches, going for 18 yards on 11 carries. White’s inefficiency as a runner is only being saved by his current work as a receiver. It is probably just a matter of time before Irving gets a much longer look with a significant touch share for the Buccaneers.

3. Braelon Allen (RB – NYJ)

I will not overreact to Braelon Allen’s final stat line, but Sunday’s body of work underscores how good he can be. He had 56 total yards and two touchdowns on nine touches, complimenting Breece Hall well. Allen could make a strong case to be the top handcuff in football, and it probably speaks to the strength of the top of this list that he isn’t. Unlike Irving, Allen will not be a cheap add this week.

4. Tyler Allgeier (RB – ATL)

Tyler Allgeier rounds out what I consider the top tier of handcuffs. He is plenty involved in the Falcons’ offense, rushing for 53 yards on nine carries Monday night. If Bijan Robinson were to miss time, we could be looking at a true 20-touch role for Allgeier. As it is, he is flex-viable as a standalone piece, so if he is available, scoop him up.

5. Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT)

For better or worse, the Steelers have a throwback offense committed to the run like it’s 2004. Jaylen Warren split snaps with Najee Harris evenly, looking like his typical, explosive self. Warren had 42 yards on just nine carries, and I think now is the time to get him rostered if he was dropped last week. Pittsburgh’s offense has been so bad that he is flying under the radar right now, but that won’t last.

6. Ray Davis (RB – BUF)

Thursday night games can get overlooked, but Ray Davis looks to be the early-down handcuff to James Cook, with Ty Johnson handling third downs. Davis plowed his way for 29 yards on nine carries, which is what he is built for. It makes it slightly more difficult to project him over a few others on this list, which is why he isn’t ranked higher despite playing in one of the league’s best offensive environments.

7. Carson Steele (RB – KC)/Samaje Perine (RB – KC)

I touched on this situation above, and if I knew who the direct handcuff was, I would have probably placed them at the top of this list. It bears noting that Steele played over Perine after the injury occurred. Still, I think the Chiefs are more likely to lean on a veteran, so Perine is the in-house candidate that I would prefer. I don’t think it is out of the question that Kansas City looks outside the organization, and reports are that Kareem Hunt will be there working out today.

8. Antonio Gibson (RB – NE)

Antonio Gibson makes the list for a few reasons. First, Rhamondre Stevenson continues to see some of the highest usage in the league, garnering a 71% snap share and over 20 touches for the second week in a row. The other reason is that Gibson got 12 touches of his own, going over 100 combined yards in the process. Gibson is not a true feature back, but he can handle 15 touches in a game and is OK as a receiver. Despite the Patriots not being an oasis of offensive goodness, opportunity is everything, and Gibson would appear to have the inside track to that if Stevenson gets hurt.

9. Austin Ekeler (RB – WAS)

Austin Ekeler is lagging behind Brian Robinson in the way of production and touch share, but he sees looks inside the 10-yard line, and his work as a receiver is well-documented. Ekeler is best served in a complimentary role at this stage of his career, but he would be a borderline PPR RB1 if needed to fill in for a few weeks. I’m holding here.

10. Tank Bigsby (RB – JAX)

Tank Bigsby injured his shoulder and was unable to return to the game. If out, D’Ernest Johnson would be the handcuff to Travis Etienne. This probably means more touches for Etienne than it does an extended look at Johnson.

Jason Kamlowsky is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Jason, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @JasonKamlowsky.