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Jermar Jefferson had five rushes for nine yards in the Lions' Week 15 win over the Cardinals.
Jefferson, who came into the game battling an ankle issue and a non-COVID illness, only spelled lead back Craig Reynolds against the Cardinals. Jefferson is a decent stash in deeper fantasy formats in case Jamaal Williams (COVID-19) misses more time and Reynolds gets dinged up.
Lions coach Dan Campbell said the team didn’t use RB Jermar Jefferson in Week 14 due to missing practice.
"Jermar had the ankle and everything. He started the week. He was another kid that had flu. So he wasn’t even around and so we just trusted Craig [Reynolds]." Campbell made it sound like Detroit’s backfield plan was a seat-of-pants decision. The Lions’ coach put part of the Week 14 loss on Godwin Igwebuike’s drive killing fumble in the third quarter. Jefferson was active but played three snaps, while Reynolds, on the practice squad until this week, led the team with 13 touches. With D’Andre Swift a candidate for IR and Jamaal Williams (COVID) potentially shut down, the Lions look intent to mothball Jefferson, who they traded up to draft and has two touchdowns on 10 carries this season. Detroit’s Week 15 backfield could feature a converted safety and a journeyman that was watching Netflix in training camp.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Lions are expected to “lean on a combination” of Jermar Jefferson, Godwin Igwebuike, and Craig Reynolds at running back in Week 14 and potentially the rest of the season.
D’Andre Swift is looking likely to be placed on IR, while Jamaal Williams (reserve/COVID) is out this week and in danger of missing Week 15. With Williams playing through injuries even before going on the COVID list and only $1.6M of his 2022 salary guaranteed, it makes sense for the Lions to see what they have in Jefferson and Godwin, who have flashed on limited touches. Jefferson is the early-down pivot for Williams, though game script could lead to PPR value for both backs.
Lions RB Jermar Jefferson (knee, ankle) wasn't listed on the Week 13 injury report.
Jefferson returned in Week 12 but was limited to five snaps. With D'Andre Swift (shoulder) out, there should be an expanded role for Jefferson, who scored in both games Jamaal Williams missed earlier this year. The Lions coaching staff has talked up a heavy workload for Williams and there's still health concerns with Jefferson, but the rookie should mix in with Williams and is a hedge on a potential multi-week absence for Swift.
DFS Last 5
Week | Date | Opponent | Pts |
---|---|---|---|
18 | Jan 6th | Vikings | |
17 | Dec 31st | @49ers | 0.9 |
16 | Dec 22nd | @Bears | 3.3 |
15 | Dec 15th | Bills | |
14 | Dec 6th | Packers | |
13 | Nov 28th | Bears |