Steve

Slaton

With Daniel Thomas out with a hamstring injury, Slaton is expected to be active against the Chargers Sunday. He’ll only be worth a look in fantasy leagues if Thomas’ absence turns into a protracted one, and only then in deeper PPR leagues. Like new teammate Reggie Bush, Slaton is not an effective between-the-tackles runner.

Thomas’ absence is a major concern after his early-season hamstring injury “flared up” in Thursday’s practice. At this point, he can’t be expected to play against the Chargers. We wouldn’t go rushing to the waiver wire to add Steve Slaton just yet; he doesn’t even know the offense. If Thomas does sit out, Reggie Bush is a good bet for 15-20 touches with Lex Hilliard handling short-yardage work.

It speaks to the lack of league-wide interest that Slaton is returning after seeing just 17 carries in Miami last season. The former Texans rookie sensation will be the third-string tailback behind Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas.

Coach Joe Philbin called Slaton a “good fit” in the Dolphins’ new zone-blocking scheme after he signed a one-year, $700,000 deal (with no signing bonus) in March, but his roster spot was imperiled by the selection of fourth-round RB Lamar Miller. Even if Slaton does eke out a roster spot, he’ll be off the radar in all formats of fantasy football.

Claimed off waivers from the Texans last September, the former third-round pick was active just three times for the Dolphins. He’s still only 26 years old, but has carried the ball just 43 times the past two seasons as injuries and fumbling issues have limited his playing time. He won’t be a factor in 2012.

“He’s no longer the quick and elusive tailback he was earlier in his career with the Texans,” opines beat writer Omar Kelly. “It would benefit Slaton to get in better shape this offseason.” We gave up the ghost on Slaton’s Dynasty value a couple years back. He won’t be guaranteed a roster spot no matter where he lands this summer.

Philbin’s comments strongly suggest the Fins are turning to a zone-blocking scheme, which Philbin also oversaw in Green Bay. "(Slaton) is a guy we think fits our system of running the football very, very well,” Philbin said. “That’s his training. That’s kind of his background in the league so we really felt he was a good fit schematically.” Slaton projects as the Dolphins’ No. 3 running back with possible kick return value.

No surprises for the Dolphins. Anthony Fasano (concussion) is out, perhaps giving Brandon Marshall an extra target or two in this dream matchup.

Slaton served as the Dolphins’ goal-line back in Week 8, but has been inactive since Daniel Thomas (hamstring) got healthy. The rest of the inactives on a pretty healthy Miami team: TE Will Yeatman, T Will Barker, G John Jerry, DE Phillip Merling, LB Ikaika Alama-Francis and CB Nolan Carroll.

Only in Miami would Slaton serve as the clear-cut goal-line back ahead of Lex Hilliard (one carry, four yards). He got three chances from the 1-yard line, stuffing one of them in. But with Daniel Thomas (hamstring) likely back soon, Slaton’s mind-boggling usage as a power back should be short-lived. Leave him on waivers.