​Every fantasy football manager knows how quickly things can change when it comes to one of the most physical positions in football: running back. Staying prepared and knowing which backs are next in line for touches will always give you an edge on the competition.It’s also important to understand which backups have a chance to rise the depth chart based on talent, which ones are poised for a leading role when injuries strike and those who would max out as part of a less appealing replacement committee.Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL seasonHere’s how I’m ranking the top backup running backs based on their fantasy potential in 2026.1. TreVeyon Henderson, PatriotsWhile I believe it’s only a matter of time before Henderson emerges as the lead back in New England, it’s clear he’ll once again start the season behind Rhamondre Stevenson. The goal with my work is always to project how the next campaign will look and get ahead of how backfields will develop, but Henderson still has work to do in order to prove he deserves the top spot on the depth chart.  The coaching staff has made it clear they need to see more from him as a pass protector and between-the-tackles runner. So far, it doesn’t sound like Henderson has answered the call in that area this summer. The 23-year-old (turns 24 in October) is also dealing with a new lower ankle injury, after slipping on the turf during practice. He’s walking and moving fine, but will undergo precautionary tests. We’ll see if this injury finally pushes Henderson’s ADP below Stevenson’s, which is how I’ve had it ranked for a while now. At the moment, Henderson is being taken in Round 6 as the RB26, while Stevenson is going off the board as the RB28 in the seventh round. Henderson is still holding down the No. 1 spot based on his performance as a rookie, which resulted in 911 rushing yards, 221 receiving yards and 10 total TDs. A good chunk of that production came over the final eight weeks when Henderson took advantage of Stevenson being banged up and posted top-10 numbers at the position during that stretch. He flashed more than enough potential to think he can grow into a bigger role and become a weekly fantasy difference-maker. In the meantime, Stevenson will begin the season offering RB3 fantasy production with Henderson being more of a boom-or-bust weekly RB3 with massive upside when the balance of the backfield shifts. We just don’t know if that will occur this year or not. 2. Jonathon Brooks, PanthersBrooks is finally making headlines for the right reasons, after spending the first two seasons of his career recovering from ACL tears. The former second-round pick is back on the practice field and reminding fantasy managers what he’s capable of when healthy. The 22-year-old even earned some praise from head coach Dave Canales recently. Current starter Chuba Hubbard had a down year due to injuries, but he’s just one season removed from a 1,366-y