Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back T.J. Yeldon will be expected to handle a heavy workload this season, according to ESPN's Mike DiRocco.
Jaguars' offensive coordinator Greg Olson said that giving Yeldon 25 carries a week may be too much, but that the rookie will be able to handle it. Yeldon will likely look to take advantage of the situation as Denard Robinson will likely not play this weekend after suffering a knee sprain. Running back Toby Gerhart will also be in question for this weekend with an abdominal strain.
Through two games of their schedule, Yeldon has rushed for 121 yards and caught six passes for 29 yards. Yeldon had a big week, last week for the Jaguars, and that is likely to continue for the rest of the season, especially with their other top two backs dealing with injuries.
The Jaguars face the undefeated Super Bowl Champions in the New England Patriots Sunday. This will likely be the toughest test yet for Jacksonville, and head coach Gus Bradley will likely have his players prepared for that prior to the game.
Yeldon could have a big day Sunday, but that will all depend on the scenario of the game. If the Patriots get out to an early double-digit lead, it's unlikely Yeldon will have a major impact unless it's with screens and short passes. The Jaguars will want to keep this game close, and that is good for Yeldon fantasy owners because the closer the game, the more touches Yeldon will likely see.
Yeldon was seen as one of the favorite rookies to take in a fantasy football draft, and that may pay off this season. The Jaguars seem to have no problem pounding their rookie running back, and Yeldon seems to be a running back that could have a major impact this season.
