In last week’s loss to the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams RB Darrell Henderson Jr. came out with a thigh injury that has him listed as questionable heading into Week 13. What is the current status of Henderson’s injury, is he expected to play, and what should fantasy football managers anticipate when the Rams take on the Jacksonville Jaguars?
Update 12/05/21: The Rams announced that Derrell Henderson is active and will play against the Jaguars.
Is Darrell Henderson Jr. playing today despite a thigh injury?
Head coach Sean McVay did say earlier in the week that he expects Henderson to be active against the Jaguars. However, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports that Henderson remains questionable for Sunday. At this point, it looks more 50-50, and that it will be a true game-time decision as far as his availability.
Henderson did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday but was reported as limited on the Rams’ injury report for Friday. Coming off three straight losses, the Rams are desperate for a win to help turn their season around.
They’d love to have their RB1 healthy and available, but with the Jaguars coming to SoFi Stadium, Henderson could be given the day off to rest. If that is the case, Sony Michel would then likely carry the lead-back duties in Week 13.
Sunday morning there were somewhat conflicting reports. Ian Rapoport reported that Henderson is hopeful to play, but could have a limited workload. Meanwhile, Adam Schefter reported that the Rams are not optimistic that Henderson will be able to play.
Can fantasy managers start Sony Michel in Week 13?
If Henderson is inactive, Michel becomes a favorable start against the Jaguars. With injuries across the NFL and four teams on a bye in Week 13, Michel would be a formidable RB2 with RB1 upside in a lead role.
There’s also the possibility that Michel is given lead-back duties even with Henderson active. While that remains to be seen, Michel holds fantasy value against Jacksonville. Even with an active Henderson, Michel can be treated as an RB3 this week. Furthermore, on Saturday, the team placed backup RB Buddy Howell on the IR.
It’s been a quiet season so far for Michel after being traded over from New England. He’s rushed 79 times for 305 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and a touchdown. He’s also added 11 receptions on 13 targets for 62 yards and another score. Michel has just one finish with double-digit fantasy points in half-PPR formats this year (Week 5).
However, the Rams have already shown us that they’re willing to give Michel a considerable workload in Henderson’s absence. In Week 3 against the Bucs, Michel rushed the ball 20 times for 67 yards and caught 3 of 4 targets for another 12 yards. It was a poor showing fantasy-wise for Michel — there’s no getting around it. But it showcased head coach Sean McVay’s faith in him as the RB1.
Favorable matchup for Rams RBs against Jaguars
Through 12 weeks in 2021, Henderson is the RB12 for fantasy in half-PPR formats, averaging 14.4 fantasy points in 10 games. The Jaguars, meanwhile, give up 18.6 points on average to the position (12th-most). While Jacksonville’s defense has been better than given credit for, this is a good spot for the Rams’ RBs. It’s also a great “get-right” game for LA, who have gone all-in for a Super Bowl run but have lost three straight coming into Sunday.
If Henderson plays, you’re starting him. Even so, I’m not against playing Michel if Henderson is in there. All signs point to Michel getting the lead role this week, and it’s a terrific matchup.
It’s very likely Michel is out there in your league as a free agent. Scoop him up as soon as you can, particularly if you’re in a pinch at running back, and do so ahead of the Rams’ official injury report release. You could wind up with a top-24 RB just like that.
Unfortunately for fantasy managers, Sunday’s kickoff is at 4:05 PM ET. That means they will have to act quickly ahead of the 1 PM slate.