Don't panic...Okay, maybe panic a little.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back T.J. Yeldon hasn't been a consistent stud in fantasy football, but he hasn't been terrible either. Right now he sits as the No. 19 RB in standard fantasy scoring with 109 points. Overall, he has rushed for 740 yards on 182 carries (4.1 YPC) and two touchdowns. He's also caught 36 passes for 279 yards and one additional score.
Unfortunately, he suffered a sprained knee in last week's game against the Indianapolis Colts and is in danger of missing Sunday's contest against the Atlanta Falcons. Should Yeldon be unable to suit up, the starting duties would fall to Denard Robinson, who ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates believes is a decent emergency fill-in.
"Robinson ran fairly well in 2014 as a sophomore, though he's taken a backseat to T.J. Yeldon this season," Yates wrote. "Yeldon has a knee sprain and Toby Gerhart was recently placed on injured reserve, meaning not only would Robinson be the likely starter if Yeldon misses time, he shouldn't have as much competition for carries. An add for anyone in need of running back help."
Last season, Robinson rushed for 582 yards on 135 carries (4.3 YPC) while scoring four touchdowns (this included three straight games with at least 100 yards from scrimmage). He also caught 23 passes for 124 yards. This season, he has received just 42 rushing attempts but is averaging a solid 4.7 YPC. His matchup this week does offer the potential for fantasy production.
The Falcons defense ranks 15th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (105.6) and, most importantly, 31st in rushing touchdowns (17). They've also allowed the most receptions (88) to the position. Overall, they are allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing RBs in the league at 20.7 per week.
Given Atlanta's defensive tendencies and the lack of competition for touches in Jacksonville, Robinson could provide a brief spark for desperate fantasy owners.
