Injuries
Kenneth Walker and David Montgomery to Sit; Emmett Johnson and Woody Marks Move Up
The Chiefs ruled out Kenneth Walker (groin) for Sunday at Atlanta, making rookie Emmett Johnson the lead back, and the Texans ruled out David Montgomery (groin), leaving Woody Marks as the lead back in Cleveland.
Fantasy Footballin'
Two Saturday downgrades, and both make a lineup call easier.
Kenneth Walker is out. The Chiefs ruled Walker out of Sunday's game at Atlanta on Saturday, a day after listing him as questionable with a groin injury (KCTV5). The injury is considered minor, and a source told ESPN the Chiefs "want to give him a week" (ESPN). Rookie Emmett Johnson will lead the backfield. He has 111 rushing yards and a touchdown plus 14 catches for 237 yards and another score this season (NFL.com), and Andy Reid already said Johnson "would take the bulk of the carries" (KCTV5). Jaydn Ott (hamstring) is questionable and the Chiefs elevated Nate Carter from the practice squad for depth (RotoWire). Start Johnson as an RB2 with upside. The receiving work makes him useful even if the carries get split. Walker should be back soon, so don't panic-drop him.
David Montgomery is out. Montgomery (groin) won't travel to Cleveland and has been ruled out, the Texans announced Saturday (Texans). It will be his fourth straight missed game (NBC Sports). That clears the timeshare worry for Woody Marks, who was a full participant Friday with no game designation (Texans). Houston elevated Dare Ogunbowale from the practice squad as the backup (Texans). Start Marks as a solid RB2. Leave Montgomery on your bench.