On Friday, it was announced that Washington would have to take the field this week without running back Matt Jones in the lineup due to a knee injury. Jones has started in the team’s offensive backfield for all seven of its games in 2016.
In his absence, Washington will be counting on backup running backs Rob Kelley and Chris Thompson to make up for Jones’ lost production.
Fantasy Impact: Against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Washington’s backup rushers have a good chance at ending the day with some impressive numbers. The Bengals are only giving up the 12th most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs in 2016, but they have also allowed the position group to score six touchdowns in the last three weeks.
Thompson and Kelley are both averaging over 5 yards per touch this year and either back has the chance to finish the weekend with a productive day. Due to Thompson already seeing the field more this season (almost nine touches per game), fantasy owners may want to lean more in his direction if having to choose between the two backs this week.