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A dominant rushing game can often lead teams to wins in the NFL. It's not just about the rushing yards but the control of the game that comes with it. Having a workhorse running back that can perform consistently is extremely valuable. Here are the top five rushing yards leaders heading into Week 9 of the 2021 NFL season.
Rushing yards leaders
#5 - Ezekiel Elliot, Dallas Cowboys - 571 rushing yards
Ezekiel Elliot is just one yard behind fourth place in rushing yards, but has played one less game. The Cowboys have already had their bye week while the Bengals have not. Elliot revived his career in 2021 after a rough go in 2020 and is once again one of the top running backs in the NFL. Tony Pollard's presence has allowed the Cowboys to keep Zeke fresher.
#4 - Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals - 572 rushing yards
Joe Mixon is being used heavily in the Bengals' offensive scheme this season. In addition to being fourth in rushing yards, he also has the second most carries in the NFL heading into Week 9. He is on pace to set new career highs in almost every rushing category.
Rushing yards leaders
#3 - Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts - 579 rushing yards
Jonathan Taylor has the third most rushing yards heading into Week 9 of the 2021 NFL season. He is a featured player in the Colts offense and one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL. He is both explosive and consistent with a well-rounded skillset.
#2 - Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns - 584 rushing yards
Nick Chubb has the second-most rushing yards in the NFL and has accumulated them in fewer games than most others. All of the other running backs in the top ten in rushing yards have all played in at least seven games, while Chubb has only played in six games. He also splits time with Kareem Hunt, which further demonstrates how much of a dominant force he has been.
#1 - Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans - 937 rushing yards
It should come as no surprise that Derrick Henry leads the NFL in rushing yards, and it's not even close. He is more than 350 rushing yards clear of second place. He has won rushing titles the last two consecutive seasons, including eclipsing the 2000 yard mark last year. He is on pace to do it again.
Unfortunately, Henry suffered a foot injury in Week 8 that will force him to miss significant time. The estimated recovery time is somewhere around eight weeks total, which will keep him out for most, if not all, of the remainder of the season. It's the first major injury of his professional career. He's never missed more than one game in any season.
