The Los Angeles Rams are dealing with an unexpected problem heading into Week 7 – an injury-riddled running back situation. Key running backs Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers have both been placed on injured reserve, making them ineligible until at least Week 12.
However, Rams head coach Sean McVay remains tight-lipped about how he plans to navigate this challenge. When asked about the running back rotation for Week 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, McVay simply responded with “I have a sense, yes,” and refused to share any details.
The Rams have several candidates to replace Williams and Rivers, including Zach Evans, Darrell Henderson Jr., Royce Freeman, and Myles Gaskin. In practice, the order for these running backs have been Freeman, Evans, Henderson, and Gaskin.
This running back situation is quite unclear, and fantasy football managers may want to avoid it if possible. However, with numerous teams on bye weeks and the usual running back injuries, some may need help at the position.
Evans, a sixth-round rookie from Ole Miss, is a potential sleeper to take the lead, but he has limited NFL experience with just four carries for 10 yards. Freeman has mostly played on special teams and had his best season in 2019 with the Denver Broncos, averaging 8.9 PPR points per game.
Henderson, who was waived by the Rams last year, is back, and McVay spoke highly of him, but his role remains uncertain. Gaskin, recently with the Minnesota Vikings, may not have a significant role with the Rams, but he could adapt quickly to the offensive system.
There’s still a lack of clarity, and the ideal replacement for Williams is unknown. The Steelers have allowed running backs to score well in all their games this year, so the potential is there for the Rams’ running back to perform. Until Williams returns, whoever takes the lead could be a flex option in all fantasy leagues.
For more Week 7 sleepers and DFS plays, you can check out the original article for additional recommendations.
