NFL Instant Analysis: Lynell Hamilton out for the Season

It’s only early August and one of our favorite sleepers has already been lost. It’s been confirmed that Saints running back Lynell Hamilton tore his right ACL at Wednesday’s practice and will be out for the season.

While Hamilton isn’t exactly a household name, his injury is still very significant in dynasty leagues.

The Saints are likely going to start scouring the waiver wire to see what’s out there. Unfortunately for the Saints, there simply aren’t a lot of difference makers available right now.

Names like Edgerrin James and Ladell Betts will probably be rumored as possibilities to add depth to the New Orleans backfield in the next few days. Those two names don’t exactly start a party on Bourbon Street.

In the meantime, here’s a breakdown of some players whose values have changed.

Lynell Hamilton, RB, NO

Hamilton seemed to be destined to take over short yardage duties for the Saints this season. While that may seem insignificant, consider Mike Bell was able to produce 654 yards and five touchdowns from that same position last season.

This injury is devastating for Hamilton. As a player with injury concerns already, this could very well be career threatening.

While we wish Hamilton the best, he’s no longer worthy of a roster spot, even the deepest of dynasty leagues.

Pierre Thomas, RB, NO

You hate to see someone benefit from another player’s misfortune, but Thomas clearly does in this case.

With no real threat from anyone else to steal goalline carries at this point, the path is completely clear for Thomas to finally realize his true potential and become a top 15 fantasy back.

If he was a trade or draft target of yours before, it’s time to double your efforts to acquire him.

PJ Hill, RB, NO

Hill was on the roster bubble before the injury to Hamilton and still could be if the Saints hit the free agent wire. However, he does have some upside and could compete for playing time with Hamilton out of the way.

Let’s not forget that Hill showed a lot of promise while playing for Wisconsin. He’s worth a pickup in deep dynasty leagues.

Reggie Bush, RB, NO

The injury to Hamilton doesn’t really change anything for Bush.

Reggie simply is what is at this point. He’s a great decoy, a good punt returner, and a good third down back.

He’s still all those things and not much more after Hamilton went down.

Chris Ivory, RB, NO

Ivory is a player to keep an eye on this preseason.

He has prototypical size for the position at 6’1″, and 225 pounds. With few other options on the roster right now, Ivory should get a closer look by the Saints' brass.

Follow him closely, but he’s not worth a pickup quite yet.

Summary

It’s time to monitor the running back depth chart in New Orleans.

If the Saints do find a short-yardage back emerge on their current roster, or add one after some initial roster cuts are made, they should have some value in dynasty leagues.