Daryl Richardson: Week 2 Breakout Performance Makes Rams RB a Must-Add

Daryl Richardson is the future of the St. Louis Rams backfield—it would be best to try and add him before everyone finds out. 

While the transition to Richardson from Steven Jackson is not going to be instant, it is inevitable. Steven Jackson is a great back, but at 29, he is slowing down and closing in on the mythical 30-year-old barrier where running backs go to retire. 

In fact, injury issues pushed Richardson into action in Week 2. While it was originally thought that Jackson was benched after picking up an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported that it was, in fact, a hamstring issue that sidelined Jackson. 

This is what paved the way for Richardson to have his breakout performance. 

The rookie running back, who was not selected until the seventh round, picked up 83 yards on 15 carries and added 19 yards on two catches, and he did so while fellow rookie running back Isaiah Pead did not pick up a carry. 

The fact that the Rams went exclusively with a lower-drafted player tells us that that player is impressing coaches and looking strong. 

Adding Richardson does not come without risk. A big part of his production is going to be determined by Jackson's health. 

However, 29-year-old Jackson is already having hamstring issues and those pesky injuries have a way of lingering. 

If Jackson does play in Week 3, don't expect the Rams to overload him, especially not with a capable back like Richardson in the backfield. This will leave him decent value as a flex option. 

Richardson is a definite add for Jackson owners, and not a bad play for other fantasy football owners hurting for a running back. He will get chances to produce, and if Jackson misses any time, he will a very high ceiling.