The Los Angeles Rams had new running backs all over the field on Sunday, as Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers both missed the game due to injuries. One of the Rams RBs on Sunday was Darrell Henderson Jr., who was back on the team he had spent his first four seasons with.
Henderson was a free agent just a few days ago, but the Rams signed him and made him a big part of the game plan against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He carried the ball 18 times on Sunday, but should fantasy football managers pick him up off the waiver wire?
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Should Darrell Henderson Jr. Be a Fantasy Waiver Wire Add in Week 8?
Going from not being on a team in one week to carrying the ball 18 times the following week is quite an impressive feat. Henderson rushed for 61 yards in the loss to the Steelers, and he also had a five-yard catch.
Knowing the offense and the terminology is a huge advantage for Henderson, as you could tell he knew the plays, as well as the audibles and block formations. Being able to bring a guy out of free agency who knows the offense is an advantage. Could Henderson find himself on the Rams moving forward, and should he be on your fantasy lineups?
It is still too early to have Henderson on your roster. If the other Rams running back hadn’t been hurt, Henderson would still probably a free agent. Injuries are absolutely a part of the game, but as soon as Williams and Rivers are healthy, they will be back playing over Henderson.
Now, if you are trying to decide between Henderson and Royce Freeman, then Henderson is the guy. Freeman actually had a better day on Sunday, as he rushed the ball 12 times for 61 yards.
However, the familiarity with the offense makes Henderson more appealing moving forward. Neither of these running backs figure to be a big part of the passing game, as quarterback Matt Stafford has a plethora of wide receivers who are capable of having big receiving games.
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Entering Sunday, Williams was fifth in the league with 456 rushing yards and tied for fourth with six rushing touchdowns. He has been one of the biggest surprises early in the season when he literally took the job away from Cam Akers. Akers was traded shortly after that to Minnesota, and Williams emerged as the go-to running back in Los Angeles.
Neither of these guys figure to be a part of the team’s plans once Williams and Rivers get back healthy, and they could both be cut or put on the practice squad when those two players return.