How do homers assess the RB situation now that Torain and Parker have been cut?
Portis starter and solid RB1 in fantasy (275+ carries) due to his and system's superiority and the preference to keep him in on 3rd downs (he's probably the best blitz-picker upper -ha! - in the league), so he'll even get his share of receptions too. LJ is primary backup but a plodder; may get
some goalline carries but I expect no more than 5-8 touches per game absent a Portis injury.
Keiland Williams is solidly a third backup and special teamer absent injuries and or LJ completely sucking, however in dynasty I'd take him over LJ as he may be one of those classic bargain basement RB's that Shanny's spotted and who blossoms to become the RB of the future.
Any chance Willaims gets 6-8 carries a game? I think 275 carries plus 3rd down duties is a lot for Portis at this point. Plus some think blocking takes a bigger toll on the body than running the ball.
I don't think they have a choice regarding Portis with that line and those WR's. They need to have a strong running game and protect McNabb on 3rd downs, and nobody's shown they can (still/at all) do it in real games other than Portis; LJ's washed up and Williams is unproven. Besides, it's not like they want to preserve Portis at this point in his career. They'll now wring all of the mileage they can out of him - he's nearing the end anyway, though he's still very effective with support. The good news for Portis is that as their favored 3rd down back, he figures to get some nice ypc in those situations where they opt to run draws, not to mention PPR value as a guy receiving swing passes and looks on wheel routes or screens. I think Portis may be more valuable this year than he has been since 2006 or so.
To answer your question, yes, I could see Williams getting 6-8 carries given that they'll have a lot of carries anyway (probably on 1st and 2nd downs) and Portis will need a blow from time to time. This is especially true of LJ just outright sucks and can't muster even, say, 3.5 ypc.