Jerious

Norwood

The third-round rookie exploded on a 37-yard screen pass at the end of the second quarter and later on a dazzling 34-yard touchdown reception from Bryan Randall. Duckett finished with 59 yards on ten carries.

Norwood reportedly is solid in blitz pickup and the passing game, two areas Duckett is lacking. It would be no surprise for Norwood to steal many of Duckett’s carries playing behind Warrick Dunn.

He’s the perfect handcuff for Warrick Dunn and a fun late sleeper pick considering Dunn’s age and the Atlanta system. Norwood is a solid receiver and may be a poor man’s Dunn. Reach a round or two early for Norwood if you draft Dunn.

RB Warrick Dunn had the big game but Norwood was outstanding in limited action. He fumbled near the end of the first half, but was lucky that it bounced right to TE Alge Crumpler for a first down. Norwood broke off an impressive second-quarter run up the gut that showed off both his speed and power.

Steven Jackson (quad) is likely to miss at least one game. Williams is 29 and running on bionic knees, but he has nice skills out of the backfield and is an asset in pass protection. Cadillac projects as an every-down back, with Jerious Norwood coming on for a change-of-pace role. The Rotoworld Season Pass currently ranks Caddy 30th among Week 2 running backs. He doesn’t have a whole lot of upside, but 25 touches are well within reach.

Williams is not expected to be available against the Seahawks. Scat back Jerious Norwood (hamstring) is practicing, however, and will likely back up Steven Jackson on Sunday.

The Post also expects the Rams to let fellow free agent RB Jerious Norwood walk, and to potentially look to the draft for Steven Jackson’s new backup. Williams rushed 87 times for 361 yards in 2011, adding 14 catches for 93 yards. He should at least get a camp invite in 2012.

Williams is clearly the handcuff for Jackson owners to add, as Jerious Norwood was given just three carries, taking the ball 10 yards. The big day comes on the heels of a strong preseason for the former Buc, and though he’s almost certain to wear down, he could be an option in deeper PPR leagues even once Jackson returns.

According to the Rams website, Williams is being monitored closely this week. He’s lucky he still has a job after watching Michael Boley rumble down the sidelines for a fumble-return score Monday night. With Steven Jackson (quad) as a game-time decision this week, Jerious Norwood could pick up double-digit touches against the Ravens.

Jackson returned to limited practice Thursday, but “didn’t get much work in.” His backup Cadillac Williams is also looking dicey for Week 3 after missing two consecutive practices with a hamstring injury. If neither is able to give it a go against the Ravens, the Rams would be forced to go with a tandem of Jerious Norwood and Quinn Porter at running back. It’s a situation to avoid against a Ravens’ front seven that has neutralized the run early on this season.