Chase Edmonds has been dealing with some injuries, namely to his ribs and toe. Is he playing against the Los Angeles Rams tonight, and what can fantasy football managers expect if he does?
Update 01/17/22: Arizona RB Chase Edmonds is officially active and will play tonight against the Rams. Make sure to check out our Edmonds and James Conner DFS piece to see if either should be in your lineups.
Is Chase Edmonds playing tonight vs. the Rams?
Edmonds has been fighting his way back after sitting out in Week 18. He was asked about his status earlier in the week and confidently told reporters that he’d suit up for tonight’s game. The Cardinals removed Edmonds from their final injury report yesterday, with all signs pointing towards him playing tonight.
Edmonds missed a chunk of time through November and December after suffering a high ankle sprain against the Green Bay Packers in Week 9. He was placed on injured reserve and didn’t return to the lineup until Week 15.
Chase Edmonds’ 2021 season
James Conner’s comeback season has kept a ceiling on what Edmonds has been able to produce. Conner signed with the Cardinals for an almost minimum salary in the offseason after failing to find significant interest in free agency.
A couple of injury-plagued seasons in Pittsburgh cost him, and he landed in Arizona.
Edmonds, on the other hand, showed promise in 2020, particularly as a receiving back. While Conner might have established himself as the starter, there is a role with the Cardinals for Edmonds. He plays a similar role to running backs like Nyheim Hines with the Colts or Tony Pollard with the Cowboys.
Edmonds’ ability to catch the football and get upfield makes him a dynamic asset to Arizona’s backfield. With Kyler Murray and his ability to run to think about, Edmonds’ dual-threat approach gives the Cardinals a good shot at getting somebody open.
Edmonds and fantasy football
Edmonds is one of those risky plays in fantasy. Somebody like him always has a shot at breaking a game open with a big chunk-yardage play, whether a pass or on the ground. He’s used in multiple sets on the offense.
Edmonds’ point scoring is fantastic when you consider that he’s the No. 2 back in Arizona. He played at least 50% of the Cardinals’ offensive snaps in nine games this season. In all of those games, he scored at least 12 fantasy points.
As a handcuff to Conner this year, he was a solid play. In Week 16, Edmonds scored 26.70 fantasy points (his season-high mark) while covering for the injured Conner. Edmonds ended the game with over 120 all-purpose yards and a touchdown.
I’d also be looking to buy stock in Edmonds this offseason. The young back may have an opportunity with the Cardinals, depending on Conner’s situation. Coming off of his comeback campaign, Conner might attract attention in 2022 free agency. The Cardinals could elect to go with what they have in Edmonds instead of overpaying to keep Conner.