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Utility Backs in Deeeep Leagues -- any value? (1 Viewer)

For those of us in very deep leagues (15+-man rosters, 14+ teams, etc.), there is obviously little depth on the wire to help out in bye weeks.

With a lot of key injuries to squads, from linemen to backs themselves, people in these leagues look for any value they can to slot in flex positions and as bye week fillers. In deeper leagues, core backups (Turner, Buckhalter, Davenport, Betts, etc.) are long gone, but there still might be some gems in other 3rd down backs who contribute in specialty situations (goalline, returners) or are good pass catchers.

As I look at the first two weeks so far, which backs buried on rosters do you see contributing over the long haul? These backs need to see the field every game, and not just come in if the primary back is injured.

As I see it, here are some that might do well:

Mike Alstott/Mike Pittman -- the Bucs offence as a whole is suffering, and not generating point production anywhere. So far, Caddy has not lived up to his potential. But in this kind of situation, I can see both these backs contributing more to the offence as the Bucs try to shake it up and put points on the board. Both have great hands, and can be goal-line vultures.

Mack Strong -- Seattle's O is off to a false start with key injuries. They have looked mediocre against the weaker Ds they've faced so far, and are shuffling their O-line thanks to Porkchop getting dinged. Strong had a nice TD run, but more importantly, he seems to be slightly involved as an outlet pass-catcher. He could be valuable against the stouter run Ds Seattle will face down the road

Chad Morton -- obviously, Tiki and Jacobs are going to get the lion's share. But for those in return leagues, he may represent some value, and he has racked up 22 rushing yards. If Tiki gets dinged, he may become more involved as the change-of-pace type of back.

Verron Hayes -- probably taken in many deep leagues as insurance for Fast Willie, but looked very involved in the passing game out of the backfield for PIT when their offence is having trouble moving the ball downfield.

Who else are you seeing out there that may contribute? I was thinking guys like Jerome Harrison, Bryan Calhoun and Ryan Moats -- even Mewelde Moore, where has he been? -- might be more involved in the offence, but from stats that I see, it looks as if they are just injury insurance, rather than seeing the field every game.

What about guys like Herron, Kenny Watson, and JJ Arrignton? HAven't seen them play -- do these or any other utility backs buried on rosters have potential to contribute on a game-to-game basis, rather than just as injury insurance should the primary back go down?

 
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Jerome Harrison
OK, this is a start -- but why?The guy has two catches for 17 yards, only 2 targets, and only 14 yards on the ground. What makes you think CLE is going to involve him in game situations outside of taking over for Droughns if he goes down?To be clear, the purpose of this post is to not find a handcuff, but to find contributors who may consistently rack up a few catches and a few carries a game in specialty situations.
 
I would take a look at:

Najeh Davenport - should be given a crack at the Bettis role

Tyson Thompson - return man + #3 in dallas, would get a role if MBIII or JJ got hurt

Justin Griffith - just in case they revive the Duckett role

Michael Robinson - great skillset for a 3rd down back if they decide to use him that way

 
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Jerome Harrison
OK, this is a start -- but why?The guy has two catches for 17 yards, only 2 targets, and only 14 yards on the ground. What makes you think CLE is going to involve him in game situations outside of taking over for Droughns if he goes down?To be clear, the purpose of this post is to not find a handcuff, but to find contributors who may consistently rack up a few catches and a few carries a game in specialty situations.
He will be a factor as a third down back or if Droughns goes down. If your in a 14 man league he is worth a roster spot. But, get him now before he makes a few plays in game and then more people want him. :thumbup:
 
I do not know if Lee Suggs counts. But, per saban, Suggs will get 1 series out of 3 ... atleast until the next injury

 

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