Fantasy football: Implications of Shane Vereen’s injury

Stop me if this feels like a dreaded flashback; Ben McAdoo is turning to a running back “by committee” approach. The approach that worked oh so terribly last year when the Giants were still trying to justify draft bust Andre Williams. It took the coaching staff until week 14 to run with Jennings as the workhorse, and all he did in the final month was lead the NFL in rushing. Now, with an early thumb injury to Jennings and a devastating triceps injury to Shane Vereen, the Giants RB corps are back to square one. Let’s take a look at the fantasy implications of the remaining “committee.”

Orleans Darkwa

Darkwing Duck (don’t remember who came up with this, but it’s perfect) is a mini-version of Jennings, minus the receiving chops. Darkwa always hits the hole hard and finishes his runs. It’s pretty obvious he will fill the early-down banger role, and is the most likely goal line back while Jennings is out. He’s a great add in the short term in standard leagues with TD upside, but unless Jennings is more hurt than we think, his value will be short-lived.

Bobby Rainey

If you’re a fantasy nerd like I am, then you may share the same closet affinity for Rainey as I do. In his random spot starts for Tampa Bay over the last few years, he’s always seemed to produce at a high level. He’s a classic “Sprolesian” scatback. Lightning quick with surprising power in a compact body. If you’re in a PPR league and want a season long flex option, I think Rainey will fill Vereen’s role quite nicely.

Paul Perkins

We haven’t heard or seen much of Perkins, so it’s tough to predict his role moving forward. I do know that I loved his college tape, and was excited that we landed him in the fifth round. From a skill et perspective, I think he has an outside chance of becoming the workhorse back if Jennings’ injury worsens, and McAdoo cans the committee approach. Those odds seem low, so for now, Perkins is only an add in deep leagues with big benches. But don’t be surprised if we are all kicking ourselves by November if Perkins is the lead back in an explosive offense.