The backfield of the St. Louis Rams has been the source of fantasy speculation all season. Zac Stacy is starting to show signs of life, as he is averaging a solid 4.3 yards per carry. But after three games, the second-year rusher has totaled just 181 yards and a single touchdown. Behind him on the depth chart, Benjamin Cunningham hasn't been effective in limited action (3.3 YPC on 20 carries). The Rams rank just 23rd in the NFL in rushing yards per game with 104.
With the Rams having two weeks to think about their rushing situation thanks to a bye week, could rookie third-rounder Tre Mason emerge as a possible solution? Joe Lyons of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch thinks Mason could see the field more in the coming weeks.
"With the Rams on a bye week - they return to action Sunday, Oct. 5 against the Eagles in Philadelphia - coach Jeff Fisher used practice time on Wednesday and Thursday this week to get some of the younger players some additional reps," Lyons wrote. "In fact, Fisher mentioned Mason by name twice this week when talking about the team's practice plans."
Apparently, Fisher has faith in the young running back's potential.
"On Monday, the coach said, 'Got to get Tre Mason involved, not only more in the offense, but also more on special teams.'"
Mason is a speedster who averaged 5.7 yards per carry, and finished with 23 rushing touchdowns in his final season at Auburn. He could be a welcomed change of pace in the Rams' backfield and on kick returns.
"We're working him in," Fisher said. "He's doing a nice job on special teams right now, so he's got a pretty good feel for what we're doing."
This type of "ease along" approach is a familiar one for Fisher, who gave Stacy just one carry in the first four games last season before he took over as the lead back in week five.
Stacy finished the year with 973 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns. With Cunningham quickly falling out of favor, Mason is a legitimate consideration for a fantasy roster spot, as more playing time seems to be on the horizon.
