Daniel

Thomas

Now the Larry Johnson re-signing makes more sense. The Dolphins consider Thomas day to day, but are going to proceed with caution. It’s yet another bump in the road for the second-round rookie, who was slated for a minimal role to start the season anyway. Even if Thomas ends up active, he is unusable in fantasy.

Even though Johnson is a vested veteran and was signed prior to Week 1, players can use their “termination pay” provision just once in a career. Johnson used it in 2009 when he was cut by the Chiefs. If Daniel Thomas (hamstring) can get healthy and show improvement, LJ may get his walking papers once again. He received no carries in Monday’s opener, even with Thomas inactive.

At this point in his career, Westbrook is a poor man’s Reggie Bush, so he doesn’t make a ton of sense. Clayton is a journeyman that hasn’t been able to stick on a roster in his four-year career. Even if Daniel Thomas is hurt for an extended period of time, neither player is the answer. The Fins are probably just updating their free-agent list.

Thomas’ status remains in doubt for this week’s game against the Texans. It’s a shame that the injury happened on top of a disappointing training camp. The Fins desperately need a player of Thomas’ 6'0/230 stature to provide a power-running contrast to Reggie Bush.

It feels a bit uncomfortable doing multiple daily updates on Thomas because he’s such a non-factor, but it appears he’s at least getting healthier. If he was a more physical back, he could be a candidate for 8-10 touches going forward.

“When my number is called, I look to make the most of my opportunities, and Daniel (Thomas) was running the ball really well,” Bush said after receiving just six carries to Thomas’ 18. Through two games, Bush is averaging 3.3 yards on 17 carries. For now, he’s still the more desirable fantasy option than Thomas, but it’s clear he’s not going to achieve RB2 status in his new home.

It only took the Dolphins an entire preseason plus one regular season game to realize that Bush isn’t a feature back. The light appeared to come on for Thomas Sunday, as the 230-pounder rumbled for 107 yards on 18 carries. Look for this kind of snap split to continue, with Thomas earning a larger role if the Fins ever get a lead. Next week’s game against the Browns is a good place to start.

Thomas’ 4.1 yards per carry were impressive. He consistently moved the pile, making one cut and falling forward while breaking tackles. The rookie continues to gain the trust of the coaching staff, getting the nod in a 4th-and-1 spot today and converting. The Dolphins are realizing that Reggie Bush (11 carries, 24 yards) is not a real running back and are riding Thomas. He’ll be a RB2/flex option in San Diego next week.

It’s presumably the same hamstring that nagged Thomas entering the season. The Dolphins may be just giving him some extra rest if it cramped up in practice. Thomas is not believed to be in any danger of missing Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

The Sun-Sentinel’s headline reads that the Dolphins are “concerned” about Thomas’ hamstring, but they failed to follow up with details beyond the flare-up. Fantasy owners need to check back on Friday afternoon to assure that Thomas’ setback wasn’t major.