The running back position wasn’t hit as hard by injuries last season, but we know how quickly things can change at one of the most physical positions in football. Fantasy football managers who stay prepared and know which backs are next in line for touches will always have an edge on the competition.

It’s also important to understand which backups have a chance to rise up the depth chart based on talent, which ones are poised for a leading role when injuries strike and those who would max out as part of a less-appealing replacement committee.

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Here’s how I’m ranking the top backup running backs heading into Week 6, based on their fantasy potential in 2025.

1. David Montgomery, Lions

Montgomery is fresh off playing a season-high 53% of the snaps in one of his easier matchups of the season against the Bengals. While he’s no threat to Jahmyr Gibbs’ starting role, Montgomery is still a borderline low-end RB2, who would vault back into RB1 territory if Gibbs were ever sidelined.

2. Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks

Charbonnet is in a near 50-50 split with Kenneth Walker III, depending on the week. Though Walker has been the far more effective back, Charbonnet has been the one finding the end zone, which has kept him fantasy viable. Charbonnet remains a TD-or-bust RB3/flex option who would instantly be a top-12 fantasy back if Walker missed time.

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3. Kendre Miller, Saints

Miller is one of the most valuable fantasy stashes at the moment and has worked his way into being a flex option. The 23-year-old has finally managed to stay healthy and is earning more touches each week at the expense of Alvin Kamara. You could even argue that Miller has appeared to be the more explosive back in New Orleans this year. Over the last two games, Miller has delivered 114 scrimmage yards and a score on 22 touches. If Kamara were hurt or traded, Miller would step into the starting job in an uptempo and scrappy Saints offense — and become a potential RB2 for fantasy.

4. Rico Dowdle, Panthers

Dowdle takes a massive leap up this list after stepping into the starting job with Chuba Hubbard out and racking up 206 rushing yards, 28 receiving yards and a touchdown versus the generous Dolphins defense. It seems like Hubbard is at risk of missing Week 6 as well, ahead of another positive matchup against Dowdle’s old team, the Cowboys. This will remain Hubbard’s backfield when healthy, but Dowdle has shown he is more than capable of handling the lead back role when called upon.

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5. Rachaad White, Buccaneers

White didn’t have the monster stat line that Dowdle posted in Week 6, but he did a good job filling in for an injured Bucky Irving, who’s expected to miss multiple weeks. More important than White’s 71 scrimmage yards and two scores were the fact he played 80% of the Bucs’ snaps, proving he is the clear-cut backup to Irving. White is an underrated fantasy asset who will offer RB2 production until Irving is healthy.

6. RJ Harvey, Broncos

After posting his best day as a pro in Week 4 — with career-highs in snaps (41%), touches (18), scrimmage yards (98) and touchdowns (one) — Harvey once again took a step back with third-stringer Tyler Badie getting more involved in a much tougher matchup against the Eagles. However, this is merely a minor speed bump for Harvey. Starter J.K. Dobbins has one of the most extensive injury histories of any player in the league and has to play a full season in the NFL. It feels like only a matter of time before Harvey starts for the Broncos.

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7. Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars

Tuten has emerged as the clear No. 2 back behind Travis Etienne Jr. However, with the veteran playing as well as he is, it’s not leaving the door open for Tuten to steal the job. The rookie has looked the part as an impact player in his limited usage. Tuten is a volatile flex option for fantasy who remains one injury away from being a star.

8. Tyler Allgeier, Falcons

It seems like a lifetime ago when Allgeier was rushing for over 1,000 yards as a rookie. Then along came Bijan Robinson and away went Allgeier’s fantasy value as a starter. However, Allgeier continues to be an overqualified backup who offers flex value and would crush as a top-20 fantasy RB — if Robinson wasn’t able to play for any reason.

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9. Brian Robinson Jr., 49ers

Robinson is just one year removed from posting 1,101 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns, while finishing as the RB21 in fantasy points per game. Though he’s not the most exciting back on this list, Robinson would definitely produce in the Shanahan run game if CMC gets hurt again.

10. Blake Corum, Rams

Corum has fought off rookie Jarquez Hunter and taken a firm grip on the Rams’ backup job behind Kyren Williams. The sophomore runner has turned the backfield into a 70-30 split this season. He’s now joined the flex option range, while also being a potential league-winner if Williams gets injured.

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Just missed the top 10

• TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots

• Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins

Backups turned temporary starters with RB3/flex value

• Michael Carter, Cardinals

• Kimani Vidal/Hassan Haskins, Chargers

Backups with Flex potential

• Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers

• Chris Rodriguez Jr., Commanders

• Emari Demercado, Cardinals

Quality injured backups

Rookie backups to stash

Intriguing backups with question marks

Backups to stash in deep leagues

• Jeremy McNichols, Commanders

• LeQuint Allen Jr., Jaguars