The running back position has certainly been one to watch this season in the NFL. With DeMarco Murry leading the charge over LeSean McCoy and Adrian Peterson and Ray Rice getting suspended, several sleepers have emerged from the pack in their respective offenses. Andre Williams and Antone Smith have become household names already through seven weeks so who is poised for a Week 8 breakout on the waiver wire?
Denard Robinson is a player to pickup heading into Week 8 after a breakout performance with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Thanks to the struggling Toby Gerhart, Robinson proved to be a versatile threat at the position. The running back has yet to truly find his place in the league after playing quarterback and college and then being labeled an "offensive weapon" his rookie season, but the ground game appears to fit well. After putting up 127 yards on the ground, head coach Gus Bradley likes the idea of Robinson keeping the starting job for the time being.
"Yeah, I think so," Bradley said, via The Florida Times-Union. "We'll look at the film. He did a good job and we hope to get Toby (Gerhart) back."
Tre Mason is another running back that is gaining steam over the past two games. The St. Louis Rams rookie looks every bit the starter after leading the team with 85 yards off 18 carries and one touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks. He has not gotten much work in the passing game, but the Rams are not heavy on the throwing over the past few weeks, giving Mason more opportunities. Running against the Kansas City Chiefs will not be easy, but Mason will at least get the handoffs.
Both Mason and Robinson have more upside than other running backs simply because of their offense. Ronnie Hillman is a quality back to have on hand simply because he will be starting for the Denver Broncos. Peyton Manning will take to the air first, but Hillman still managed 100 yards against the New York Jets and 71 yards against the San Francisco 49ers. Jerick McKinnon is the same way. Mason might have more upside, but McKinnon is the guaranteed starter for the Vikings and handling it well.
All of these backs would be solid choices as several starters could be out in Week 8. With injuries to Trent Richardson, CJ Spiller and Pierre Thomas, there are several other backs that would be solid substitutes.
