Handcuff Hierarchy Summer Guide | Insurance Policies for Running Backs in Dynasty 2026

by Edward DeLauter · Featured
handcuff running backs | dynasty 2026

Any backup running back on a 53-man roster is mere moments away from fantasy viability. In dynasty, it is vital to stack your roster with running backs that can find their way into meaningful snaps and help you gain value on your roster. Here is a list of 10 veteran handcuff running backs to roster in dynasty heading into the 2026 season.

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Not the RB You Want, Maybe the RB You NEED?

Tyrone Tracy Jr. | New York Giants

After an RB31 finish in fantasy points per game (FPPG) in his rookie season, Tyrone Tracy followed up that campaign with an RB30 finish in fantasy points per game (FPPG), averaging 10.7 fantasy points in each season. It was not until Cam Skattebo‘s season-ending injury in Week 8 last year that Tracy saw a drastic increase in his opportunities. After Week 8, Tracy finished as the RB16 in overall fantasy points, compared to his RB46 finish between Weeks 1 and 8.

With Skattebo still rehabbing the ankle injury that ended his rookie season, Tracy will likely see meaningful work at running back if Skattebo is unable to be fully healthy come the start of the season. The Giants also seem likely to feature a run-heavy offense, which should mean more work for Tracy even if Skattebo is healthy.

Woody Marks | Houston Texans

Last season, Woody Marks equally shared opportunities in the Texans’ backfield with Nick Chubb, averaging a meager 9.4 FPPG. The Texans traded up to select Marks, whose 90th-percentile 12.14% college target share suggests he profiles best as a satellite back rather than a featured runner. With Houston adding David Montgomery this offseason as their bell-cow back, Marks will likely slide into his intended third-down pass-catching back role. Hopefully, the reduced role will increase Mark’s efficiency, allowing him to remain relevant in fantasy.

Tyler Allgeier | Arizona Cardinals

Tyler Allgeier signed a free agency contract with the Arizona Cardinals to be their starting running back in 2026. The Cardinals then, surprisingly, selected blue-chip prospect Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick, relegating Allgeier to a timeshare at best. Allgeier is familiar with backing up an elite running back prospect, as he shared time with Bijan Robinson in Atlanta for three seasons. Allgeier was able to maintain fantasy relevance as Bijan’s backup and will likely do the same as Love gets acclimated to the league. Buying low here is a prudent move.

Emanuel Wilson | Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks signed Emanuel Wilson from the Packers this offseason. Wilson has quietly strung together two consecutive seasons with over 500 total yards. While first-round rookie Jadarian Price joins him in the Seahawks backfield while incumbent Zach Charbonnet recovers from a torn ACL, Wilson should see lots of work as part of a committee. He makes for a good dynasty target for those looking to get sneaky RB2 production to start the season.

Malik Davis | Dallas Cowboys

News out of OTAs suggests that Malik Davis is the RB2 on the depth chart behind Javonte Williams. While Williams had a great bounce-back season last year, he has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Davis is a pure handcuff-only play who has flashed capability last season. If Williams gets hurt again, Davis is in line to be the go-to running back in an elite offense, which is typically a recipe for fantasy success.

Tank Bigsby | Philadelphia Eagles

Recent news has Will Shipley on the roster bubble to make the Eagles’ 53-man roster. This means that former Jaguars back Tank Bigsby is likely the man behind Saquon Barkley to start the season. Barkley has been relatively healthy the past several seasons, though he is coming off his worst fantasy finish since 2021. Barkley is also on the precipice of his age-29 season, the age at which most running backs begin to decline rapidly in efficiency.

While Bigsby is not taking Barkley’s job any time soon, the Eagles may look to give Bigsby some more opportunities, as he flashed good efficiency last season, averaging 3.91 Yards Created per Touch. He makes for an intriguing contingency stash in dynasty in the event of a Barkley injury.

Jordan James | San Francisco 49ers

Jordan James looks to compete with incoming rookie Kaelon Black for the RB2 job behind Christian McCaffrey in the Bay Area. CMC ran pure last year and finished as the RB1 overall. However, now 30 years old and already showing a decline in efficiency — averaging under 4.0 yards per carry for the first time since 2020 — there have been rumblings about keeping CMC fresh during the season.

As the 49ers’ backup running back last season, Brian Robinson saw over 100 total carries and targets. James is in the pole position to take this role in the offense. He could also be easily inserted into a starting spot on one of the best offenses in the NFL in the event of a CMC injury.

Ray Davis | Buffalo Bills

Ray Davis disappointed many drafters last season, as he saw fewer opportunities than in his rookie season. The Bills featured James Cook as a bell cow, leaving Davis little opportunity to provide fantasy relevance. Davis has shown the ability to be the workhorse in the Bills’ offense when Cook has missed time. In week 18 of the 2024 season, Davis scored 14.5 fantasy points when Cook sustained injuries. Davis is in the same spot that he was last season on the Bills’ depth chart, although his dynasty value has cratered. Now is a good time to buy low.

MarShawn Lloyd | Green Bay Packers

The Packers selected MarShawn Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 draft. Since then, Lloyd has played only one game for the Packers while dealing with soft-tissue injuries. The former USC Trojan is reportedly healthy now, and the Packers are taking measures to ensure he remains healthy before the start of the 2026 season. With starting running back Josh Jacobs entering his age-28 stride, and also being the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence, Lloyd may finally get a shot to play meaningful snaps for the Packers.

With a 111.2, 93rd percentile Speed Score, Lloyd can be a league winner if he stays healthy and Jacobs misses time.

DJ Giddens | Indianapolis Colts

The entire Colts offense runs through Jonathan Taylor, with DJ Giddens and incoming seventh-round rookie Seth McGowan as his backups. Both Giddens and McGowan have similar elite size-speed metrics. If you are unable to secure McGown in rookie drafts, try to get Giddens on your roster, as one of these players will be a no-doubt starter on your fantasy team if Taylor misses time in 2026.



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