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As we head into Week 15 of the NFL season, fantasy managers are closely monitoring a messy situation in the New England Patriots backfield.
New England's incumbent starter at running back, Rhamondre Stevenson, was injured in the Patriots' Week 14 Monday night win over Arizona. Rookie backs Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris saw action in relief of Stevenson against the Cardinals. Ahead of Week 15, New England's former starting RB Damien Harris is attempting to return from an injury.
Is Rhamondre Stevenson hurt or healthy? Is Damien Harris hurt or healthy? Should I pick up Pierre Strong Jr. or Kevin Harris for fantasy football? Below we take a quick look at the updated injury status for Stevenson and Harris and attempt to answer these questions.
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Is Rhamondre Stevenson Injured or Healthy?
Young running back Rhamondre Stevenson has put together an excellent season in New England. Stevenson obtained the RB1 job thanks to an injury to Damien Harris. The youngster has produced in a big way in his expanded role. Stevenson has rushed for 742 yards and four TDs, while also tallying 385 yards and a score through the air.
Stevenson suffered an ankle injury during New England's Week 14 Monday night contest against the Arizona Cardinals. He left the game with the injury and attempted to return, but was forced out for good after reaggravating his ankle. Stevenson has been unable to practice yet this week and is currently listed as questionable for a Week 15 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Is Damien Harris Injured or Healthy?
Damien Harris started 2022 as the Patriots clear lead running back, but the 25-year-old has been plagued with various injuries throughout the season. Harris has missed four games in 2022 and last suited up in Week 12. He hasn't logged double-digit carries since Week 8.
Harris has been nursing a thigh injury for weeks. After being tagged as questionable for Week 14, he was eventually ruled out for Monday night's game against the Cardinals. However, Harris has returned to Patriots practice this week and logged limited sessions on both Wednesday and Thursday.
Should I Pick Up Pierre Strong Jr. or Kevin Harris for Week 15?
The pair of rookie running backs filled in for the injured Stevenson against the Cardinals in Week 14. While Kevin Harris was the first back to enter the game in place of Stevenson and logged more carries (eight rushes for 24 yards and a TD), it was Pierre Strong Jr. that was the more impressive of the two. Strong looked explosive en route to 70 rushing yards and a score on just five totes, while he also tossed in 20 receiving yards on two catches.
Based solely on the eye test and Monday night's stats, Strong would appear to have the upper hand between the two should the rookies be forced into action again in Week 15 against the Raiders. He would be the preferred pickup for fantasy managers that are willing to gamble on this murky backfield situation.
Fantasy Analysis:
This is reminiscent of the Seattle Seahawks backfield situation that we saw last week, as there are multiple running backs – and multiple injuries – at play. As of this writing, there are no clear answers to this New England backfield conundrum.
With Stevenson looking closer to doubtful with each passing day, fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Damien Harris' practice participation. Harris is the former Pats' starting RB and would be the most probable candidate to supplant Stevenson, and thus, the safest fantasy bet.
If both Stevenson and Harris are sidelined, Pierre Strong Jr. would likely spearhead a committee backfield with Kevin Harris. Strong possesses the greater fantasy upside of the pair and would be the preferred fantasy option in this scenario.
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