Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season will see two starting running backs sitting out due to injuries with both Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving and Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard ruled out.
Irving sustained foot and shoulder injuries in the Week 4 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and could miss multiple games. Hubbard was dealing with a calf injury in Week 4 but finally succumbed to it this week.
Fantasy football managers will have a tough time replacing two backs who typically have big workloads, but there are options on the same rosters.
Here's a look at each running back's handcuffs, and you should scoop up both and start them if they're available.
Who is Bucky Irving's handcuff?
White is listed as the Bucs' No. 2 back and has clearly played that role over the first four weeks.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero confirmed on Sunday morning that White will get a big workload in Irving's absence.
Rachaad White start or sit advice
The Bucs will take on the Seattle Seahawks, which isn't a great matchup thanks to Seattle ceding the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs.
However, volume alone makes White a viable starter and a strong flex play, at worst, in Week 5.
Verdict: Start White
Who is Chuba Hubbard's handcuff?
Dowdle was inked by the Panthers to serve as Hubbard's backup and he has indeed played that role this season. In fact, he has gotten regular work even with Hubbard in the lineup, with the veteran seeing eight touches per contest.
Rico Dowdle start or sit advice
With Hubbard out of the way, Dowdle should see his touches at least double this week. In a starting role with the Dallas Cowboys last season, Dowdle finished as RB23 overall, which made him an every-week flex option.
Making him a more attractive option is the fact that Dowdle draws a matchup against a Miami Dolphins defense giving up the 11th-most fantasy points per contest to the position.
Verdict: Start Dowdle
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