Full Breakdown
Power-Ranking the NFC Running-Back Rooms Ahead of the 2024 Season
8/7/2026, 8:19:38 AM
Core Event
Newsweek evaluated the depth of each NFC team’s running backs as training camps move toward the early-September season start.
Background & Context
All 32 NFL clubs are in summer camps, finalizing 53-man rosters. Depth at running back remains a focal point because injuries and workload sharing affect offensive performance. Newsweek’s division-by-division rankings follow earlier assessments of quarterbacks, wide receivers, and head coaches.
Division Rankings and Key Personnel
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles – Led by Saquon Barkley (3,145 career yards). Depth includes Tank Bigsby, rookie Will Shipley, Dameon Pierce and Elijah Mitchell.
2. New York Giants – With Cam Skattebo sidelined, Tyrone Tracy Jr. posted 740 rushing yards and 2 TDs; veteran Devin Singletary adds 4,923 career yards.
3. Washington Commanders – Jacory Croskey-Merritt (805 yards, 8 TDs) competes with Rachaad White and Jerome Ford; rookie Kaytron Allen is a future option.
4. Dallas Cowboys – Javonte Williams recorded 1,201 yards and 11 TDs in his first year; the depth behind him is considered the weakest in the division.
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints – Free-agent Travis Etienne (three 1,000-yard seasons, 168 catches) joins Alvin Kamara. Kendre Miller, Audric Estime and Ty Chandler vie for roster spots.
2. Atlanta Falcons – Bijan Robinson (back-to-back 1,450-yard seasons) remains the division’s premier back; Brian Robinson adds depth after Tyler Allgeier’s loss.
3. Carolina Panthers – With Rico Dowdle now in Pittsburgh, Chuba Hubbard (511 yards) is positioned for RB1. Jonathan Brooks, A.J. Dillon and Trevor Etienne provide competition.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – After losing Rachaad White, the team relies on Bucky Irving (1,122 rookie yards) and adds Kenneth Gainwell and Sean Tucker.
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears – D’Andre Swift (1,087 yards, 9 TDs) leads; Kyle Monangai (783 yards) and rookie Roschon Johnson (252 yards) round out the group.
2. Detroit Lions – With David Montgomery gone, Jahmyr Gibbs (back-to-back 1,200-plus yards) anchors the backfield; Isiah Pacheco moves into RB2.
3. Minnesota Vikings – Aaron Jones looks to rebound from a 548-yard season; Jordan Mason (789 yards) serves as RB2, with Demond Claiborne as RB3.
4. Green Bay Packers – Josh Jacobs (31 yards shy of 1,000, 13 TDs) remains a 1,000-yard threat; Chris Brooks and Pierre Strong Jr. compete for RB2.
Data & Statistics
- Saquon Barkley: 3,145 career yards.
- Javonte Williams: 1,201 yards, 11 TDs (2023).
- Travis Etienne: three 1,000-yard seasons, 168 receptions, 1,388 receiving yards, 7 TDs.
- Bijan Robinson: consecutive 1,450-yard seasons.
- D’Andre Swift: 1,087 yards, 9 TDs (2023).
- Jahmyr Gibbs: two 1,200-plus-yard seasons, double-digit TDs each year.
- Aaron Jones: 1,138 yards, 5 TDs (2022).
- Josh Jacobs: 31 yards shy of 1,000, 13 TDs (2023).
Why It Matters
Depth at running back cushions teams against injuries and enables varied offensive schemes. Teams with multiple proven contributors—Philadelphia, New Orleans and Detroit—are positioned to maintain consistent ground attacks, while thinner groups (e.g., the Cowboys) face greater risk.
Official Statements & Responses
Eagles GM Howie Roseman is credited with constructing a deep running-back roster, a strategy mirrored by other clubs that prioritized versatile backs during the offseason.
What’s Next
As camps continue, each team will finalize its 53-man roster before the early-September kickoff. Preseason performance will determine which backs secure starting roles and which remain on the practice squad or are released.
