Training Camp Daily Dose: Dose: Seattle Backfield Update
Marshawn Lynch proved that the Seattle backfield is a fertile spot for producing fantasy points, as the Seattle offense has maintained a distinct focus on running the football under Pete Carroll. From 2012-2015, the Seattle offense has registered no worse than 3rd among NFL teams in rushing attempts, and even supported quality fantasy running back performances during Russell Wilson’s 2015 late-season explosion while Marshawn Lynch dealt with injury. With Lynch hanging up his cleats over the offseason, the fantasy world has had reservations about which Seahawks running back will lead the way in 2016 as the search for the next Beast Mode begins.
Thomas Rawls performed admirably when Lynch missed time in 2015, and was well on his way to early-round fantasy consideration before suffering a brutal ankle injury in Week 14. Rawls is currently being drafted in the 3rd-4th rounds of fantasy drafts as he sits on Seattle’s PUP list while rehabbing his ankle. On Thursday, Seattle indicated that Rawls will remain on the active/PUP list after being re-evaluated, but coach Pete Carroll said that Rawls is “getting really close” to returning to action. Despite Carroll’s eternal optimism, nothing concrete will come from this situation until the PUP label is removed from Rawls and he hits the practice field, which will hopefully come before fantasy drafts begin to fire up in full force later this month.
If Rawls’ recovery drags on, just who will step in and lead the Seahawks’ running attack? One option is everyone’s favorite fantasy enigma, Christine Michael. The upside-king was back in the news on Thursday as Pete Carroll announced that Michael has been “on the money throughout (camp).” With Rawls out and rookie C.J. Prosise dealing with a hamstring issue, Michael has made the most of his time in camp thus far and could have a shot to contribute if the mountain of rookies and injuries in the Seattle backfield isn’t sorted out by Week 1. Michael was productive in both 2015 games in which he was given significant work, running 16 times for 84 yards (5.3 ypc) in Week 15 and stacking up 102 yards on 17 totes (6.0 ypc) in Week 17. Rotoworld’s Player News Page is the place to be this summer as more updates surface from Seattle.
Editor’s Note: For updated rankings, projections, player profiles, positional tiers, mock drafts, sleepers and busts, exclusive columns and plenty more, check out our Draft Guide!
In Other News…
Browns WR Corey Coleman has had a fantastic offseason after being selected 15th overall in the NFL Draft. On Thursday, Coleman drew rave reviews from ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi, who said Coleman has looked like the “real deal” in camp as preseason action creeps closer. Associate head coach Pep Hamilton also expressed excitement about Coleman, declaring that he can “score the ball,” which is encouraging at this point in camp. Coleman has gotten nothing but positive attention this offseason in a Cleveland offense that has some interesting weapons under new head coach Hue Jackson. Coleman’s high draft slot and the Browns’ lack of receiving options with Josh Gordon (suspension) out will give the youngster plenty of chances to shine early in the season. The speedy rookie is a decent investment in the 7th-9th rounds of drafts with serious PPR appeal.
After recent hand-wringing about Chris Johnson’s role in the Arizona backfield, the Cardinals’ website said on Thursday that they expect David Johnson to get the “bulk” of the carries in Bruce Arians’ offense. Johnson’s receiving skills will keep his fantasy value afloat no matter what, but reports like this will help ease the worry of fantasy owners using first round draft picks on the second-year back, despite murky coach-speak from Arians.
DeMarco Murray has “continued to impress” in Titans camp so far as the veteran running back looks to bounce back from a miserable 2015 season. Murray will likely be stuffed with early-down work to begin the season, but rookie Derrick Henry will be looming and casts a cloud of uncertainty around Murray’s mid-round ADP. It is possible that both Murray and Henry can be fantasy contributors but it remains to be seen if Tennessee’s defense can keep the team in games and allow them to utilize their run game as much as desired.
Depth Chart Quick Slants
There is “growing optimism” in Miami that Arian Foster can be “the guy” for the Dolphins, per the Miami Herald. This backfield is titling further in Foster’s direction every day while Jay Ajayi nurses a knee injury. … The San Francisco depth chart is about as clear as mud, but TE Vance McDonald is reportedly have the “best offseason of his career.” McDonald has a chance to chip-in nice late-round TE production depending on how Chip Kelly deals out playing time. … Chicago second-year wide out Kevin White is “still raw” through the eyes of the Chicago Tribune, and his “developmental process is ongoing.” White missed his entire rookie season and will have plenty of shots to produce opposite Alshon Jeffery if his development speeds along. … Reports out of Detroit indicate that Stevan Ridley leads Zach Zenner in the race for the third spot in the Lions backfield. Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick have their roles locked up but either Ridley or Zenner could carve out a minor role. … Denver coach Gary Kubiak told NBC Denver that the preseason will be important in the Broncos quarterback competition. Both Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian will get a chance to prove themselves in this likely slow-paced offense.
Injury Quick Slants
Alshon Jeffery has not practiced since Monday with a “mild hamstring” injury, which is more than a mild concern for his fantasy stock. Jeffery is a stone-cold beast when on the field but can’t afford to begin another campaign with injury issues. … Matt Forte (hamstring) will likely miss the Jets’ first preseason contest, according to coach Todd Bowles. Forte’s hammy will be one to watch in coming weeks as Bilal Powell could be thrust into a huge role if the issue lingers. … Bengals TE Tyler Eifert (ankle) is not expected back until “early in the regular season” which will create an interesting ADP situation in upcoming fantasy drafts. Eifert’s backup, Tyler Kroft, will now miss 4-6 weeks with a knee sprain which puts the Bengals in a tough spot at tight end. … Panther RB Jonathan Stewart (foot) said he feels 100 percent healthy, which is good news for the mid-round fantasy back. Stewart won’t provide exciting touchdown or receiving totals but can be a solid contributor on a quality Panthers squad. … RB Kenneth Dixon (knee) returned to Ravens practice on Thursday and will hop back into the Baltimore running back competition.
