When the Miami Dolphins invested a fifth-round pick into Boise State running back Jay Ajayi earlier this year, many thought it was an indictment of incumbent starter Lamar Miller. Though Joe Philbin inexplicably left Miller on the sideline for much of the first month of the season, the veteran RB has started to come alive under interim head coach Dan Campbell thanks to an increased workload.
Under Philbin this year, Miller was averaging just nine carries a game. But since Campbell took over, he is averaging nearly 14 carries a game as well as 4 receptions. He has also scored at least one rushing touchdown in each of the last four games. Yet Campbell may be rejiggering his backfield just a bit.
"Dolphins interim head coach Dan Campbell said he liked what he saw from rookie running back Jay Ajayi in his NFL debut last week against the Bills," ESPN Dolphins reporter James Walker wrote. "Ajayi, who came off injured reserve with a rib injury, had 41 rushing yards on five carries, which should earn him a bigger role Sunday against the Eagles. That also means Dolphins tailback Lamar Miller could see fewer carries, especially around the goal line and on short down and distances. Beware of Ajayi potentially stealing touchdowns - and fantasy points - from Miller in the red zone."
Miller is still a must start who has a firm grip on the lead back duties. It's far too premature to think Ajayi will usurp that job from him. But it is worth monitoring how Campbell doles out the workload, especially in goal line situations. If Ajayi becomes a TD vulture it could seriously hamper Miller's fantasy upside.
Overall, Miller has rushed 91 times for 478 yards (5.3 YPC) and five touchdowns. He's also hauled in 27 passes for 269 yards and an additional score. It would be a shame for his solid season to be capped by Ajayi's emergence.
