Steven Jackson's backups scramble to get prepared

Aug 02, 2014

Steven Jackson's latest hamstring injury is giving Jacquizz Rodgers, Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith a chance to fill the void at running back for the Atlanta Falcons.

It's a tough assignment considering how far the run game has fallen, dropping from 17th in 2011 to 29th in 2012 to worst in the NFL last season.

Jackson, the NFL's active career leading rusher, missed four games with a left hamstring injury and finished his first year as a Falcon with 543 yards rushing and 3.5 per carry — the lowest numbers of his 10-season tenure.

For the past several days, Jackson has been nursing a right hamstring injury, putting his three backups in competition for snaps.

Fantasy Impact:

There's really no timetable for Jackson's return other than the team said originally he'll be ready Week 1. Rodgers and Freeman are splitting work with the starters while Smith is working with the second and third teams. Rodgers had chances last year but proved to be more of a third-down option, which is why there is a buzz around Freeman. This is a situation to watch for potential Jackson owners. With hammy injuries creeping up again, having Jackson's handcuff could prove to be key.

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Bears RB D'Andre Swift, WR Keenan Allen both Questionable for Week 12

Scott Bair

33 minutes ago

D'Andre Swift is questionable to play Vikings with a groin injury, though he was limited Thursday and a full participant on Friday.

Keenan Allen is questionable with an ankle injury. He was limited on Friday, his first day on the participation report.

Related Players: Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer, D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze

Fantasy Impact:

Separate reports called Swift "very likely" to play, but this is seemingly a new issue for Allen.

If Keenan were to miss Week 12, it would boost the floor of all pass-catchers, namely Moore, Oduzne, and Cole Kmet. Moore + Odunze would sneak closer to WR2 territory than their low-end WR3 designations they have with a healthy Allen.

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco officially Out for Week 12

Matt McMullen

42 minutes ago

Charles Omenihu (knee) and Isiah Pacheco (ankle) won’t play on Sunday, per Coach Reid.

“Just taking it day-by-day,” Reid added.

Related Players: Samaje Perine

Fantasy Impact:

It was later reported that Pacheco was "healthy enough" but they're hoping to hold him back one more game with a short week coming up. This makes Hunt a volume-based RB2 in Week 12.

Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb returns to Friday practice

Joseph Hoyt

1 hour ago

CeeDee Lamb practiced today, per Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. That’s a good sign.

Lamb (back/foot) was limited in a walkthrough on Wednesday and missed practice on Thursday.

Related Players: Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Brooks, Ryan Flournoy

Fantasy Impact:

Obviously good news for the Cowboys' potential in rolling out an NFL offense in Week 12. The floor is capped for Lamb but we should expect a ton of action funneling his way against the Commanders, which puts him on the WR1/2 fringe.