Texans will 'let guys play' in order to determine RB1

Aug 17, 2022

For the preseason opener against the Saints, the Texans’ depth chart at running back went like this: Marlon Mack, Rex Burkhead, Dameon Pierce.

On Wednesday, coach Lovie Smith was asked to identify what he’s looking for when determining the regular-season starter.

“I think you let guys play,” Smith told reporters. “They kind of tell you who should start, who should be on the roster, how many plays they should get. We’ve been going through training camp, practice, we’ve seen a lot, but to see guys finish, I thought that was a big game."

Fantasy Impact:

Reports this week have said it's only a matter of time before the rookie Pierce takes over the starting role. Of course, the team could utilize all three backs and split carries. For what it's worth, we rank Pierce 42nd overall, but tops among the Texan RBs. We think it's only a matter of time before he takes over the top spot, too.

today

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo "plans to play" TNF

Adam Schefter

2 hours ago

San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo plans to play Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams despite his sprained foot, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Guerendo, who is listed as questionable, insists he "feels good," sources said.

Fantasy Impact:

We're projecting Patrick Taylor as the next man up in the 49ers' version of running back roulette *if* Guerendo is forced out, as he easily has the most familiarity with the team. Abanikanda can be stashed if that's not the case, but shouldn't be in starting consideration if Guerendo does indeed miss Week 15.

Otherwise, consider the fourth-round rookie a fantasy RB2.

yesterday

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo listed as Questionable for TNF

Ian Rapoport

yesterday · 5:33 PM EST

— The 49ers ruled out LT Trent Williams (ankle) and S Malik Mustapha (chest), but RB Isaac Guerendo (foot) is questionable. So is Dre Greenlaw, who was full today.
— The Rams ruled out TE Tyler Higbee (knee) and Cobie Durant (chest).

Fantasy Impact:

We're projecting Patrick Taylor as the next man up in the 49ers' version of running back roulette, as he easily has the most familiarity with the team. Abanikanda can be stashed if that's not the case, but shouldn't be in starting consideration if Guerendo does indeed miss Week 15.

Rams WRs Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Whittington Questionable for TNF

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 5:30 PM EST

Rams are listing WR Demarcus Robinson (shoulder), WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder), and TE Davis Allen (shoulder) as questionable for Thursday night’s game versus the 49ers.

Related Players: Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Tutu Atwell, Tyler Johnson

Fantasy Impact:

This doesn't really impact Nacua or Kupp either way, but Atwell could log a little extra work here. Consider him a very deep league WR5.