Rod

Smith

Buried on the depth chart behind Josh Jacobs and Jalen Richard, Smith will spend most of his snaps on special teams. The 28-year-old has averaged 3.6 yards on his 101 career carries.

It’s notable because it signals concern with Josh Jacobs’ (shoulder) status. Even if Jacobs misses Week 15, Smith will not have a role behind DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard.

Smith offers theoretical three-down ability and was competing to be the direct backup for Saquon Barkley, but his season is over. Wayne Gallman and Paul Perkins will work as the Giants’ backup running backs, although it wouldn’t be shocking to see the front office add to the position group after final cuts.

The G-Men have next to nothing behind Saquon Barkley, and Smith doesn’t really change that fact. He’ll compete with Wayne Gallman, Paul Perkins, and others for Barkley’s backup spots. Smith sports a career 101-364-5 rushing line across 49 games.

It is the first we have heard of Smith since the Cowboys let him walk in free agency. Although lightly used behind Ezekiel Elliott, Smith was the Cowboys’ No. 2 back in 2018. That would not be the case in the Bengals’ backfield, where Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard are the clear Nos. 1 and 2. There is an opening in the No. 3 spot following Mark Walton’s release.

27-year-old Smith was the Cowboys’ No. 2 running back, but that is not a profitable position behind workhorse Ezekiel Elliott. Smith touched the ball only 53 times all year, with 14 of those handles coming in a meaningless Week 17 game. Headed to free agency, Smith’s advanced age will probably preclude him from being re-signed as Elliott’s unquestioned No. 2.

He added two catches for 14 yards. Darius Jackson stole six carries, but Smith was the clear back of choice with Ezekiel Elliott sidelined. His touchdown was a one-yarder in the fourth quarter. Smith will revert back into a low-usage role when Elliott returns for the playoffs.

Smith is the starter and should get the bulk of the work, but Darius Jackson will also be involved with Ezekiel Elliott out. Working as the starter, Smith joins a long list of great value running backs on DFS sites this week.

The UDFA out of Ohio State averaged 7.0 YPC on 10 preseason totes as the No. 5 running back. Following the trade of Christine Michael, Smith is essentially the No. 4 runner and would likely get a promotion should an injury occur.

The Seahawks hope Fred Jackson will be able to play through a high-ankle sprain, but Smith will provide insurance behind presumptive starter Thomas Rawls. Marshawn Lynch will miss his second game in a row with a hamstring injury.