ESPN Ownership: 47%
Yahoo! Ownership: 60%
Philadelphia Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood was a smart snag by fantasy owners heading into Week 6. With lead back Jay Ajayi (ACL) placed on IR, it seemed an easy assumption that Corey Clement would be promoted to the starting role and Smallwood would fill Clement’s change-of-pace/receiving spot.
What really happened was that, with Clement banged-up, Smallwood led the backfield in touches while Clement remained a change-up option. Unfortunately, Smallwood did little with his 20 opportunities, churning out just 2.83 yards per rushing attempt and catching 1-of-2 passes for no gain. Clement, on the other hand, continued his incredible efficiency.
Smallwood is in line for an expanded role in 2018 compared to previous years; there’s no doubt about that. Still, with veteran Darren Sproles returning from injury, talented rookie Josh Adams waiting in the wings, and rumblings that the Eagles are looking to trade for LeSean McCoy or other running backs across the league, Smallwood’s value could bottom out at any second.
He has proven ineffective when given chances this year, and those chances could easily evaporate in a hurry.