Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

With the announcement that Nick Chubb has retired, though I still hope another team gives him a call this year, its interesting to see who the next running back might be, to cross the 10,000 yards rushing threshold, which in the distant past, meant possible election into the PFHOF.

PFT incorrectly noted that Chubb was one of only four RBs to have over 1000 career carries with over a 5.0 yard average. For some reason they forgot to mention the great Barry Sanders, who had over 3000 carries. Derrick Henry of course, is trying to become only the seventh RB to cross over 14,000 career rushing yards this season.

Right now, Saquon Barkley might be the next back to do it with 8,356 yards heading into his 9th season

Current Backs Heading For 10,000 Career Rushing Yards

Barkley -- 8,356 yards
Jacobs -- 7,803
Jones -- 7,626
Taylor -- 7,598
McCaffrey -- 7,589

Staying healthy of course is key, but Barkley should be next, followed by Taylor, who as of now, is averaging 90 yards rushing per game. Jacobs is right there but could also be possibly facing a suspension this season?

As a QB, Lamar Jackson is further behind but imagine him crossing that threshold, though being a better passer in the pocket and winning a championship will be higher priorities.

I think McCaffrey could do it if he has 2 more top tier rushing seasons and stays healthy.

But those are kind of big if’s.

I think we will look back and say that he could’ve made 10,000 yards if not for injuries much like Chubb (which I think it’s fair to say he could).

I really hope Chubb changes his mind and comes back if a team makes him an offer. A real class act who has been good for football. I agree about McCaffrey, if the Niners dont run him into the ground. His work as a receiver will also affect his workload but I feel, will still put him into the HOF, with good health.

I really enjoy watching McCaffrey play and he does pass the "eye test" (for me, anyway).
And, of course, as a Niners fan I wish him all the success in the world.

But I can't honestly see him surviving the workload for another 35-40 games to make it to 10,000 rushing yards.
He's at 7,500 and averaged 70 yards/game running last season so he needs 35 more games if he keeps his current pace going.

He's already just shy of 13,000 yards rushing and receiving (with some passing and return yards not included).

Is he already a Hall of Famer? Maybe. A Championship sure wouldn't hurt his case.
Will he make it to 10,000 yards rushing? Possibly... but it isn't going to be easy and could well depend on how long he has the desire to play.

With total backs like Faulk, Allen, Craig, Thomas, Payton and Tomlinson getting elected, it could also help backs like Watters, Barber, Gore, McCoy and McCaffrey as well. Dunn, like Sproles, might not make the HOF but for their sizes, they were giants on the field.

Despite playing 64 less games than Faulk, I feel with good health, McCaffrey will surpass his receiving yardage total after the 2017* season.

*My goof ... after the 2027 season