The official announcements came this week about which players are being put on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list to begin the 2024 NFL season. That means those players have to sit out at least the first four games of the regular season, and then they’re eligible (but not guaranteed) to return after that.
A few of the names on the PUP list have the potential to impact the Fantasy season once they do return. Here’s a quick overview, along with an idea of how to approach these players for Fantasy purposes.
RB Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
His impressive weightlifting heroics notwithstanding, Chubb was always headed in the PUP list direction. The severity of his injury always dictated that it would be a longer recovery than just a typical ACL. His history of knee issues also likely played into the cautious approach, and it’s certainly no given that he returns in Week 5 when he’s eligible.
It doesn’t feel like the news that he’s been placed on the PUP list moved the needle much in terms of his draft spot. He’s still being taken as an RB3 by many owners, which makes sense because it likely means they’ve already taken two healthy starters to fill out the starting running back spots in their own lineups. As is the case with all the guys on this list, it’s also helpful if your league allows an IR spot so that you can stash Chubb without losing a crucial active roster spot.
RB Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers
I feel like Brooks was a bit overdrafted this summer by owners trying to latch onto the next big thing at the running back position. The announcement that he’s going on the PUP list should pump the brakes on that a little. Since there’s no chance he’ll start the season in the lineup, it likely means drafters will approach him in a more realistic fashion.
Because here’s the thing with Brooks: Even if he comes back ready to go in Week 5, he’s still a rookie who had exactly zero reps in camp to help with learning the plays, pass-blocking assignments, and a million other nuances that go into the position. Add in the fact that the Panthers have a healthy starter in Chuba Hubbard who finished last year strong, and it leads to the conclusion that Brooks’ rookie season might be more muted than his true believers anticipate.
TE TJ Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
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The big difference with Hockenson compared to everyone else on this list is the position he plays. Speed and mobility are certainly important to him in getting open for his targets. But he can work himself into shape in games in ways that a running back can’t, and that’s not even taking into account that reports of his recovery have been sterling.
I feel like Hockenson is an ideal target for somebody who waited on tight end and went with someone like Evan Engram or Brock Bowers as a starter. You can wait four weeks and see how they pan out. If they’re struggling, you’ll have a guy who has been one of the best Fantasy tight ends for years ready to step into the fray.
RB Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens
Mitchell getting put on the PUP list was actually positive news in his case. Considering how late in the season he was injured last year, he easily could have gone on season-ending injured reserve. You also have to keep in mind with him that he likely won’t be ready in Week 5; the middle of the season is a more reasonable estimate.
That said, I feel like he has fallen a bit too far off the Fantasy radar. The Ravens haven’t really gone out of their way to fill the backup running back role behind Derrick Henry, instead settling with veteran Justice Hill. Hill is dependable, but not that dangerous. As he proved last year, Mitchell is a game-breaker. Maybe the fact that Baltimore didn’t fill up their running back room is an indication that they believe Mitchell can be a factor late this year.
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