Jermar

Jefferson

The Cardinals released RB Jermar Jefferson in a related move. We’d love to say this doesn’t matter, but sadly, all Cardinals running back news is real news. Kiner spent time with the 49ers in training camp before getting hurt, he was a priority UDFA signing this offseason. It’s possible he may be fantasy-relevant at some point given how banged up the Cardinals RB room is.

Horne spent 2022 with the Falcons and was signed from their practice squad by the Giants in 2023. The Titans correspondingly released RB Jermar Jefferson and CB Amani Oruwariye.

The former Miami (FL) receiver stays with his quarterback, albeit a beat away from actual NFL playing time on the practice squad. The Titans also added WR Mason Kinsey, WR James Proche II, QB Trevor Siemian, OL Andrew Rupcich, DT Isaiah Raikes, DE Ali Gaye, RB Jordan Mims, DB Kendell Brooks, DT Cam Horsley, RB Jermar Jefferson, DB Amani Oruwariye, DE Carlos Watkins, TE Thomas Odukoya and C Corey Levin to their practice squad.

It’s about time. Reynolds has thoroughly impressed over the past two weeks with Jamaal Williams (COVID-19) and D’Andre Swift (shoulder) sidelined. He has 195 yards on 37 rushing attempts over those two games. In Detroit’s upset win over the Cardinals in Week 15, Reynolds continually made something out of nothing, often bulldozing Arizona defenders and breaking out of arm tackles for extra yardage. He’s an intriguing waiver add in the Lions’ run-heavy offense.

Jefferson, who came into the game battling an ankle issue and a non-COVID illness, only spelled lead back Craig Reynolds against the Cardinals. Jefferson is a decent stash in deeper fantasy formats in case Jamaal Williams (COVID-19) misses more time and Reynolds gets dinged up.

Reynolds has been a revelation since seizing the Lions’ starting gig last week against the Broncos. He has 37 to rushing attempts for 195 yards over those two games with Jamaal Williams on the COVID-19 list and D’Andre Swift out with a shoulder injury. No other Lions back saw more than five rushes against the run-funnel Cardinals. Reynolds slipped through arm tackles and ran aggressively from start to finish. A workhorse role in the run-heavy Detroit offense makes Reynolds an intriguing waiver wire add if he’s still available in your league. If his workload holds up next week against Atlanta, he’ll have a good shot at a touchdown.

Williams will miss a second straight game on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The Lions did not active Williams off the list on Saturday. Detroit’s backfield will likely be split between Craig Reynold and Godwin Igwebuike, with Jermar Jefferson sprinkled in. Reynolds led the backfield in touches last week against the Broncos.

“Jermar had the ankle and everything. He started the week. He was another kid that had flu. So he wasn’t even around and so we just trusted Craig [Reynolds].” Campbell made it sound like Detroit’s backfield plan was a seat-of-pants decision. The Lions’ coach put part of the Week 14 loss on Godwin Igwebuike’s drive killing fumble in the third quarter. Jefferson was active but played three snaps, while Reynolds, on the practice squad until this week, led the team with 13 touches. With D’Andre Swift a candidate for IR and Jamaal Williams (COVID) potentially shut down, the Lions look intent to mothball Jefferson, who they traded up to draft and has two touchdowns on 10 carries this season.

D’Andre Swift is looking likely to be placed on IR, while Jamaal Williams (reserve/COVID) is out this week and in danger of missing Week 15. With Williams playing through injuries even before going on the COVID list and only $1.6M of his 2022 salary guaranteed, it makes sense for the Lions to see what they have in Jefferson and Godwin, who have flashed on limited touches. Jefferson is the early-down pivot for Williams, though game script could lead to PPR value for both backs.

Swift, who was never given a timetable after going down in Detroit’s Thanksgiving game, was an early rule out the last two weeks. With only three games remaining, the Lions would be shutting him down for the season. Detroit will also be without Jamaal Williams (reserve/COVID) this week and potentially beyond, leaving rookie Jermar Jefferson in line for his first career start. Godwin Igwebuike has served as the Lions’ pass-down back with Swift sidelined and will also see an expanded role, while Craig Reynolds should be active as the No. 3 back.