Week 4 at Kansas City Chiefs
Perine has blown his opportunity, after only averaging 2.9 yards per carry on 40 carries over the past two weeks. Plus, he fumbled. And Jay Gruden HATES fumbles. When Rob Kelley is back, Perine likely goes back to the bench. He's not a reliable start in Week 4, especially with a Monday Night Football kickoff situation. And Rob Kelley (ribs) did practice Thursday.
Week 3 vs. Oakland Raiders
Rob Kelley (ribs) appears like he will give it a go on Sunday night, and given the late kickoff, we do not advise risking Samaje Perine in your starting lineup, because if Kelley is active, your roster options will then be extremely limited.
Week 2 at Los Angeles Rams
Perine is not a big part of the backfield rotation in Washington...yet. Keep him out of your starting lineups.
Week 1 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Samaje Perine struggled in his rookie training camp and preseason, unable to beat out Rob Kelley for early-down work to start the season. He's talented; therefore, his situation should be monitored this season, but for Week 1, he's not a candidate to start in your lineup.
Fantasy Upside
The fourth-rounder out of Oklahoma enters a backfield situation that doesn't have a strong incumbent in Rob Kelley. Could Perine be this season's Jordan Howard? Perhaps, but an injury to Kelley might be the only way to supplant him following Kelley's adequate training camp.
Fantasy Downside
Perine has struggled in training camp with ball security, pass protection, and decisiveness. That's the rookie running back trifecta with the prize being a ride on the pine.
2017 Bottom Line
This is still a backfield to monitor in the preseason and early regular season. Kelly did not light the world on fire last season, and Washington's offensive line is strong enough to produce RB fantasy points. However, Perine has squandered a great opportunity, at least early in camp and preseason.
