Fantasy: Handcuff rankings - 10 backup RBs to target

Backup running backs can see an increase in snaps for various reasons, ranging from an injured starter to outperforming the lead runner. These backups should be on your radar when you're drafting this summer.

Entries are sorted by theScore's running back rankings as of Aug. 20.

Montgomery technically started all 14 games he appeared in during the 2024 season, but teammate Jahmyr Gibbs is the Lions' true RB1. Montgomery, 28, should remain an integral part of Detroit's offense after putting up 775 rushing yards, 36 receptions, 341 receiving yards, and 12 total touchdowns last season. The former third-rounder has tallied at least 1,100 scrimmage yards every year since his second NFL season and has scored double-digit touchdowns in each of his previous two campaigns.

The Vikings signed Mason to a two-year, $10.5-million deal this offseason after the Georgia Tech product was thrust into a more prominent role with the 49ers in 2024. After totaling just 464 yards and four touchdowns on the ground across his first two NFL seasons, Mason rushed for 789 yards and three scores in 2024. While Aaron Jones was productive last year with 1,546 scrimmage yards, Minnesota's financial investment in Mason and pivot to a less experienced quarterback in J.J. McCarthy should give Mason plenty of opportunities to contribute.

Chubb would've made this list prior to Joe Mixon sustaining an ankle injury, but that issue solidifies the former longtime Brown as a target to consider. Mixon could miss time in the regular season and may need a few games to get back up to speed when he returns, so Chubb will have a chance to lead Houston's backfield early on. Although the 29-year-old may not possess the same explosiveness he once did, goal-line opportunities should still be on the table for him, even when Mixon is healthy.

Expect lots of rushing attempts from the Jets after hiring defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn and signing mobile quarterback Justin Fields. Still just 21 years old, Allen has the strength (26 bench press reps at the combine) and frame (6-foot-1, 235 pounds) to handle a significant role. Though Glenn has insisted New York plans to keep lead back Breece Hall, the former second-rounder enters the final year of his rookie deal and has been the subject of trade rumors on multiple occasions. Even if Hall remains with the team, Allen should see more work than he did last season.

Kenneth Walker is among the league's most well-rounded backs when he's healthy, but he's missed multiple games every season of his career. He suited up for just 11 contests in 2024 and finished with his worst yards per carry (3.7), yards per touch (4.4), and rushing attempts per game (13.9) marks in his three NFL seasons to date. Charbonnet, meanwhile, jumped from 671 scrimmage yards and a single touchdown in his rookie year to 909 and nine, respectively, last year. Seattle also drafted former North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel in the first round to bolster the club's run-blocking capabilities. The Seahawks rushed for 170 yards in their preseason opener and 268 the following week.

Davis posted a respectable 631 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns as a fourth-round rookie in 2024, but his Week 6 performance gave us a glimpse at his true potential. The 5-foot-8, 220-pounder rushed for 97 yards on 20 carries and hauled in three receptions for 55 yards with James Cook sidelined for the contest. Davis also outrushed Cook in a couple of contests in which both were available. While Cook will still be the lead back after making back-to-back Pro Bowls and signing a lucrative extension, Davis has earned snaps in what should be one of the most efficient offenses in the league.

There's no denying that health is a concern for Guerendo, given his lengthy injury history across college and the NFL. However, he's worth considering during the later portions of drafts thanks to his elite athleticism and his role in Kyle Shanahan's offense. Guerendo played just 22% of the 49ers' offensive snaps in his 16 appearances last season and still tallied 420 rushing yards, 152 receiving yards, and four total scores. He should see an even greater snap share in 2025 now that Jordan Mason is with the Vikings.

Allgeier is a capable tailback who could eclipse 100 yards any given week, though playing behind Bijan Robinson limits his chances. Fantasy managers with Robinson should prioritize adding Allgeier, but he's worth stashing in deeper leagues regardless. The 25-year-old racked up 1,035 rushing yards as a rookie before Robinson's arrival and has posted at least 644 yards on the ground in each of the two seasons since. He's also averaged 4.7 yards per carry or better in two campaigns.

You want to target upside at this point in your fantasy drafts, and Tuten provides plenty. Travis Etienne played 54% of the Jaguars' offensive snaps in his 15 appearances last season, while Tank Bigsby recorded a 36% snap share in his 16 games. However, Tuten will likely eat into both backs' reps. The Virginia Tech product showcased remarkable athleticism at the combine with a 4.32-second 40-yard dash, a 40.5-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-10 broad jump. New head coach Liam Coen will find ways to put that explosiveness to use.

Sampson is another explosive rookie with no dominant runners ahead of him on the depth chart. The fourth-rounder is fresh off his standout season as Tennessee's top back, leading the SEC in rushing yards (1,491) and touchdowns (22). Fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins is arguably Sampson's biggest roadblock to playing time, but he has yet to sign his rookie deal amid an NFL investigation into off-field issues and is a more expensive fantasy draft investment.

Andrew Dixon is a contributing fantasy analyst for theScore.