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When a starting running back goes down to injury, the sound you hear is millions of fantasy managers scurrying to their devices to see if the backup is available on the waiver wire. Sometimes it's clear: Jerome Ford is the immediate backup to Nick Chubb and Joshua Kelly is the immediate backup to Austin Ekeler.
Other times, it's a mystery. When the Ravens lost J.K. Dobbins in Week 1, both Justice Hill and Gus Edwards split duties out of the backfield.
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams suffered a hip injury in Week 4. Samaje Perine is listed as the second option on the Denver depth chart, so he's viewed as the natural successor should Williams miss time. But there's another Denver running back who actually received more opportunities than Perine, and proved to be productive with those chances.
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What Did Samaje Perine Accomplish In Week 4?
Perine carried the ball six times for 12 yards against a weak Chicago Bears defense. The veteran added two catches for 23 yards on two targets. The ex-Bengal played 46% of the snaps.
Undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin, on the other hand, rushed the ball seven times for 71 yards. He went over 100 yards on the day with 32 yards through the air and a touchdown. He was only on the field for a third of the plays but made the most of his touches.
Is Samaje Perine A Good Fantasy Football Pickup for Week 5?
Javonte Williams' hip flexor injury isn't considered serious. The third-year back won't miss much time, if any, with the ailment.
Perine is not the clear insurance back to Williams and therefore is not a waiver wire candidate. In fact, he could even be a drop candidate. If McLaughlin is being given the majority of the touches when Williams is out, then there's no need to hold onto Perine. McLaughlin is already receiving touches when all backs are healthy. The Broncos may give the rookie more opportunities as the season progresses to see what they have if they continue to lose games.
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