Michael Bennett - part of 'backup plan' (1 Viewer)

[grouse]

Chargers coach Norv Turner wouldn't speculate on Tomlinson's status on Tuesday, but told the Union-Tribune he sees veteran Michael Bennett as part of a "backup plan" if Tomlinson sits out.

"We don't have to play him like we did a year ago when his toe was bothering him," Turner told the paper of Tomlinson. "That's why Michael is here."

link: Norv Turner: Chargers have 'backup plan'

Michael Bennett was inactive for the first game, but is likely to see the field this week as Darren Sproles backup with Tomlinson already injured and unlikely to play. Bennett played well in the preseason and now small-framed do-it-all Darren Sproles is about to (likely) take on his largest workload in his career against a stout Ravens defense. Despite his small size, Sproles seems fairly sturdy but that can change quickly for a player that is exposed to the rigors of returning, rushing and receiving duties.Bottom line: Michael Bennett is looking like a sneaky stash-and-hope RB at this point if you have the roster space. If Bennett had to start some games for San Diego he would probably have significant value. If you own Tomlinson but missed out on Sproles, maybe stashing Bennett too is a decent play giving you 2/3 irons in the fire (albeit current backups).

Caveat: San Diego is losing offensive linemen at a frightening pace. They could be down to only 5 healthy linemen on their roster. Not pretty.

Anybody else have Michael Bennett on their radar screen?

 

[Rusty Syringes]

I've been seeing Bennett as Tomlinson's backup all along and Sproles as a complement, kind of like Bush in New Orleans. Isn't Sproles pretty small and not really an everydown back?

 

[Anonymous Internet User]

I've been seeing Bennett as Tomlinson's backup all along and Sproles as a complement, kind of like Bush in New Orleans. Isn't Sproles pretty small and not really an everydown back?

And Bennett isn't?

 

[thehornet]

I've been seeing Bennett as Tomlinson's backup all along and Sproles as a complement, kind of like Bush in New Orleans. Isn't Sproles pretty small and not really an everydown back?

And Bennett isn't?

Bennett isnt small. I should add....not small like sproles.

 

[zamboni]

Man, how things have come full circle.

For those that have played FF for some time, remember the debates over whether LT or Bennett was THE rookie RB to have? Now Bennett is perhaps on the verge of taking over for the guy who left him in the dust.

FWIW, I think Sproles will still be the primary guy if LT is out. The small stature stuff is overblown, in my view. The same things were once said about Warrick Dunn and Tiki Barber.

 

[ericttspikes]

I've always been a Michael Bennett fan. I usually roster him in deep leagues as one of my last picks. I was thinking he'd see some time last year, but was inactive most of the time. I'd like to see what he could do if given some carries. Balt. might not be the best time to get PT, but I'm rooting for the guy. I wouldn't start him, but I guess it's possible he could be of some value if LT has some injury issues this year, not sure.

 

[BAT1man]

I am a longtime Chargers fan and own LT this season (don't have Sproles). I was thinking about grabbing Bennett off waivers. If LT is ever deactivated for a game, Bennett will get playing time. Its Baltimore but if LT sits, Bennett will get some love.