Emanuel Wilson, Sean Tucker and Top Fantasy Waiver-Wire RBs after Josh Jacobs' Injury

The Green Bay Packers suffered a major blow on offense when star running back Josh Jacobs went down with a knee injury against the New York Giants and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

If Jacobs misses extended time, fantasy football managers could be left scrambling. Let's take a look at some of the top waiver-wire running backs who could be picked up to salvage your season.

Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

Of course, the most obvious replacement for Jacobs would be his Packers teammate Emanuel Wilson.

The third-year running back entered the game with 42 carries for 180 yards and 10 catches for 60 yards, and he already proved he could fill the void left by Jacobs by reaching the end zone against the Giants for his first touchdown of the season.

According to Fantasy Pros, Wilson is owned in just six percent of ESPN and Yahoo fantasy league's so he's almost sure to be available on the waiver wire.

Wilson scored double-digit fantasy points three times in 2024 while backing up Jacobs, so it can be expected that he will make the most of his newfound opportunity for more touches.

If you were smart enough to stash Wilson already, you could benefit in a big way until Jacobs is able to return.

Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

After losing starting running back Bucky Irving to foot and shoulder injuries, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were expected to give the lead-back duties to veteran Rachaad White.

However, third-year running back Sean Tucker has emerged as the Bucs' go-to ball-carrier in recent weeks, so he should already be on the radar of fantasy football managers who need roster improvements.

Per Fantasy Pros, Tucker is owned in 22 percent of Yahoo leagues and 27 percent of ESPN leagues. Those who took a chance on him lucked out in a big way on Sunday, as he eclipsed the 100-yard mark and scored three total touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills.

If you're fortunate enough to still have Tucker available on the waiver wire in your league, there's no doubt that you should stake a claim for him. However, his performance on Sunday will only increase the competition for his services.

Emari Demercado, Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Jessica Tobias

The Arizona Cardinals have struggled to find consistency at the running back position after losing veteran James Conner to a season-ending foot injury and second-year speedster Trey Benson to a knee injury that has kept him out since September.

While Bam Knight has been deployed as the team's starter, it's third-year pro Emari Demercado who has proven to be the more effective lead back for the Cardinals.

Demercado leads Arizona with 233 rushing yards, though he has yet to score a rushing touchdown this season. He's added eight catches for 38 yards and a score. Meanwhile, Knight has scored two rushing touchdowns.

It seems like it's only a matter of time before Demercado is handed the reins as the Cardinals' primary ball-carrier. According to Fantasy Pros, he's owned in 46 percent of Yahoo leagues and 27 percent of ESPN leagues, so it could be a little difficult to get him at this point.

Still, if Demercado is available in your league, the time is now to make a move to get him on your roster.