:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57106869/859100028.0.jpg)
The Philadelphia Eagles running game has taken some big blows in recent weeks, but LeGarrette Blount really stepped up his game to fill the voids. The Eagles lost Darren Sproles for the season against the Giants in Week 3 with a broken arm and torn ACL and then they lost backup rusher Wendell Smallwood to a knee injury following the Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Since losing Sproles, Blount has 277 yards and a touchdown on 42 carries. Last week, he rushed for 74 yards on 14 carries while Smallwood was sidelined.
Be prepared to see a lot more Blount again this week. Working on a short week, the Eagles do not anticipate getting Smallwood back for the Thursday night contest against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers defense is ranked ninth against the run. That should not be a problem for Blount who just averaged 5.2 yards per carry against the Arizona Cardinals 13th ranked rushing defense.
Fantasy impact: Since his no-show in Week 2, Blount has been a fantasy gem. He has at least 67 yards per game, and in Week 3 he had a rushing and receiving touchdown. As long as the Eagles are without Smallwood, Blount's ceiling will stay high. He is a no-brainer start and should have another solid performance Thursday night.