Running backs take more physical punishment than any other offensive skill position, so it's no shock that some tend to break down once they close in on the age of 30.

Throughout the history of the NFL, even the best backs have seen their numbers fall closer to their 30th birthdays. Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk, Eddie George, Franco Harris and O.J. Simpson are just a few of the names that found pro football more difficult at an extended age, and their numbers showed that to be true.

This trend is part of the reason that backfield committees, which utilize two backs with different skill sets, have become so popular in recent seasons. The decreased number of carries keeps runners fresher throughout the season and cuts down on the wear and tear their bodies endure.

But there are some runners that have been around the league longer that remain vulnerable to decreased numbers, and fantasy footballers should know the names and statistics to avoid potential bust candidates when it comes time to draft a new team.

With that in mind, we've found eight prominent runners that will be 29 or older when the 2008 season starts.

Team	Player	Analysis
Jacksonville Jaguars	Fred Taylor Current age: 32	Taylor, who turned 32 in January, turned out to be a solid asset for owners late last season. He rushed for 100-plus yards and four touchdowns in Weeks 12-16 and showed the skills and abilities that made him worth a first-round selection in fantasy drafts earlier in his career. But with 2,285 regular-season carries under his belt and the more versatile (and much younger) Maurice Jones-Drew in the backfield mix, Taylor could be hard pressed to reach his 2007 totals.

Team	Player	Analysis
Houston Texans	Ahman Green Current age: 31	Green has been prone to injuries his entire career. He was a solid runner while at 100 percent (he has six 1,000-yard seasons on his resume), but knee problems have made him an enormous risk in fantasy land. He is expected to remain with the Texans in 2008, but Green is destined to share carries with Chris Brown and a combination of other backs. Whatever happens, it's evident that Green's time as a valuable fantasy runner are all but finished.

Team	Player	Analysis
Arizona Cardinals	Edgerrin James Current age: 29	Once considered an elite back in fantasy football, James has seen his value fall hard since he left Indianapolis. He has rushed for a combined 2,381 yards and 13 touchdowns in two seasons in Arizona, compared to 3,054 yards and 22 touchdowns in his final two seasons with the Colts. James, who turns 30 before the start of this season, seems destined to lose at least some carries to rookie Tim Hightower. He has bust written all over him.

Team	Player	Analysis
New York Jets	Thomas Jones Current age: 29	Jones, who turned 30 before the start of the season, rushed for 1,119 yards but scored a mere two touchdowns in his first run in New York. Despite his lack of production, the veteran does have an advantage over other older backs in that he had a combined 499 carries in his first four seasons and has recorded 300-plus carries twice since 2000. He also has the advantage of Brett Favre and what should be a solid offensive line, however, so Jones could be an exception.

Team	Player	Analysis
New England Patriots	LaMont Jordan Current age: 29	Jordan showed flashes of his 2005 form in his first three starts of last season, but he faltered soon after and lost his spot atop the depth chart to Justin Fargas down the stretch. He turns 30 in November, but Jordan doesn't have much wear and tear after seven NFL seasons (792 regular-season carries). Jordan now finds himself in New England's crowded backfield, but he could see time on third downs and in passing situations. He'll be worth a late-round flier in larger leagues.

Team	Player	Analysis
New Orleans Saints	Deuce McAllister Current age: 29	McAllister, who turns 30 in late December, will attempt to return from the second reconstructive knee procedure in the past three years. He hasn't endured a ton of carries since 2004 because of his knee ailments, but a back with two rebuilt knees who is at the end of his 20s is a real risk in fantasy land. McAllister was considered a first-round selection across the board at his prime, but now he'll be seen as more of a middle- to late-round fantasy reserve.

Team	Player	Analysis
Cleveland Browns	Jamal Lewis Current age: 28	Lewis' career was resurrected last season in Cleveland behind what was a solid offensive line. But the fact remains that Lewis, who turns 29 before the start of this season, has the weight of 2,120 career regular-season carries on two reconstructed knees. If his age and past injuries were less of an issue, he would be a viable first-round choice based on his 2007 numbers. Lewis will be a No. 2 fantasy runner, but he's somewhat of a risk-reward selection.

Team	Player	Analysis
San Diego Chargers	LaDainian Tomlinson Current age: 28	It's true, Tomlinson will be 29 at the start of the 2008 season. While his age won't keep him from being one of the first three backs taken in all fantasy drafts, it could be enough to make some owners take Adrian Peterson ahead of him. Tomlinson has recorded 300-plus carries in all seven seasons at the NFL level, and the injured knee he sustained late in the postseason could mean the wear and tear could set in soon. However, his value won't fall until at least 2009.