Benny

Snell

Snell was one of three running backs to be waived or released Tuesday, joining Craig Reynolds and Jermar Jefferson. That left the Lions with only David Montgomery, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, and fullback Jason Cabinda on the final roster in the backfield, making it likely the team will pull from their practice squad on Sundays during the regular season. Also waived or released were WR Chase Cota, RB Jermar Jefferson, TE Darrell Daniels, RB Craig Reynolds, WR Maurice Alexander, G Kayode Awosika, S Brady Breeze, C Brad Cecil, WR Dylan Drummond, DL Cory Durden, T Connor Galvin, S Brandon Joseph, CB Chase Lucas, QB Adrian Martinez, LB Trevor Nowaske, T Max Pircher, K Parker Romo, DL Chris Smith, T Ryan Swoboda, and CB Starling Thomas V.

He’s a veteran tryout player. Denver does not have much behind Javonte Williams (knee) and Samaje Perine at the position as far as established play. Snell fell out of favor with the Steelers last year as Jaylen Warren became the No. 2 back. Snell averaged 3.6 yards per carry on 275 career totes with the Steelers.

The limited practice on Thursday looks to have been a red herring. Snell still might not be involved at all in Pittsburgh’s game plan if Jaylen Warren is active. He’s hard to start or even play in DFS unless Warren (who is questionable) is ruled out.

Snell was not on Wednesday’s report, so the downgrade is eye-opening if not necessarily immediately concerning. It’s possible that this is something we’ll laugh off in two days, it could also be an in-practice injury that spills into missed time. Jaylen Warren looks to be the back to have for Pittsburgh this week. Snell’s fantasy value is contingent on this injury tag being unimportant and Najee Harris (oblique) sitting out against the Falcons.

Harris’ Week 13 status was already “up in the air” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, so his absence on Wednesday doesn’t come as much of a surprise. If Harris is to miss any time, it sounds like he’s only at risk to miss a game, but his injury is not believed to be serious. With rookie running back Jaylen Warren back at practice, he and Benny Snell would both be in line for work if Harris is unable to go.

Harris’ injury is not considered “major,” per Rapoport. Harris left Monday night’s game in the first half after appearing to be in discomfort and working in a rotation with Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland. If Harris can log limited practices late in the week, he should be a go for Week 13 against a beatable Falcons rush defense. Snell would figure to lead the Steelers backfield if Harris is sidelined, assuming Jaylen Warren remains out with a hamstring injury. If he can return, Warren would be the favorite for RB1 duties against Atlanta. Rotoworld’s Denny Carter broke down the Steelers backfield in his Week 13 waiver wire column.

Najee Harris went down with an abdominal injury early in the game, though he attempted to play through it until the end of the first quarter. Anthony McFarland was taking Harris off the field during the first quarter, but Snell appeared to take on Harris’s role between the tackles once the first-round pick got banged up. Snell capitalized on the role with a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Jaylen Warren was out this week. If he returns for Week 13, Snell won’t be a fantasy factor. If Warren is out and Snell draws the start, he will rank as a touchdown-dependent RB3.

Warren shined in the Steelers’ preseason opener after garnering practice hype since training camp kicked off. Snell missed that exhibition and has been battling a bit of an injury, though he’s practicing Thursday. Warren looks to be Najee Harris’ direct backup, but we’d envision some sort of committee approach should Harris ever miss time. Still, Warren is certainly worthy of at least being rostered in dynasty formats. Lolley believes both Warren and Snell have earned roster spots behind Harris. Anthony McFarland is competing for another one.

According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Snell had a “pretty big wrap on his right knee” on Wednesday. It is possible he is dealing with a minor injury, but this at least is worth monitoring. Snell is battling for the backup role behind Najee Harris.

To be more specific, RB Coach Eddie Faulkner has been cited as saying he wants Harris to have seven fewer snaps per game in 2022. This is some helium for backup runner Benny Snell, who had a rough 2021 season. Kaboly writes that “Being a short-yardage back might be an option” for Snell. Snell’s fantasy stock can use all the help it could get, but beyond that, the signs have been glaring that Harris may not return to last season’s workload in 2022.