Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon is reportedly expected to play Thursday against the Tennessee Titans, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport. Yeldon won't be the only running back getting back onto the field after an injury, as Tennessee Titans rookie running back David Cobb will make his debut on Thursday Night Football, according to Rapoport.
Yeldon should be a start in most fantasy leagues, as he has rushed for 60 yards in both of Jacksonville's last two games. While Yeldon didn't find the endzone the past two weeks, he will likely see plenty of carries near the goal line Thursday night. The Jaguars rookie running back is averaging over 16 carries per game this season, and is showing that he is a threat in point per reception leagues. Yeldon caught five passes last week and while it only amounted to six yards, the fact that they are getting the ball to him in passing situations is only elevating his fantasy playing status.
Yeldon was limited on Wednesday's practice with a groin injury, but he should be out on the field Thursday night. The Jaguars running back is a clear starter at the second running back position or your flex spot, and he could have a big week in PPR leagues.
While Yeldon looks to be a great fantasy play Thursday night, fantasy owners may want to keep an eye on rookie running back David Cobb for the Titans. Cobb was Tennessee's fifth round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and was a great running back at Minnesota in the Big Ten. In Cobb's senior season at Minnesota he rushed for 1,629 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. The Titans rookie running back was placed on injured reserve/designated for return back in September, and he is likely looking forward to playing in his first NFL regular season game.
While Cobb is not a clear start for fantasy owners, it will be important to keep an eye on him Thursday night for future purposes. Cobb rushed for 79 yards on 19 carries in preseason and showed that he could be a successful back in this league. Of course, that was against preseason defenses, and how the Titans running back performs tonight may be more telling for his future in the league. Titans running back Antonio Andrews will start in Tennessee's backfield, but he could be a risky fantasy play, as he only managed eight yards on 11 rushing attempts last week. Cobb could play himself into the starting role if Andrews struggles against Jacksonville, but wait and see how he performs before picking him up in your league.
This is crucial game for both teams as they are both still alive in a weak AFC South. The Jaguars have the sixth best rush defense in the league in terms of yards given up per game, making Titans running backs a risky play Thursday. The Titans have a solid defense, but their run defense is ranked 21st in terms of yards per game, and look for Yeldon to try to take advantage of weak rush defense.
