Felix Jones: Predicting Week 8 Fantasy Output for Cowboys RB

With Week 8 of the fantasy football season upon us, one of the hottest names being thrown around is Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones.

Opening day starter DeMarco Murray is out once again with a foot injury, and the starting job has been given to Jones. The only problem is that the veteran back hasn’t been able to stay healthy enough to make the most of his opportunities.

The injury bug has bit Jones once again.

Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas is reporting on how much the Cowboys' back practiced and how he felt about his injury:

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Backup running back Felix Jones also was limited in practice Friday with a bruised knee and is listed as questionable for the game. Jones, who wore a knee brace during practice Friday, said he was feeling good. Jones said he's not sure whether he's going to wear a brace or sleeve on his knee.

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With Jones getting banged up in each of the two games he has been called upon heavily, the reasoning behind the health concerns are legitimate. The last thing a fantasy owner wants is for the veteran back to get hurt in the first quarter and not play another snap.

Week 8 Fantasy Projection

Despite the fact that Jones practiced Thursday and Friday of this week on a limited basis and the team will list him as the starter, fantasy owners should not start the Dallas RB in your lineup.

Even with a favorable matchup against the divisional rival New York Giants and their 14th-ranked rush defense, Jones will be hampered by his injuries.

That will open the door for a heavier dosage of second-year back Phillip Tanner.

With the Cowboys employing more of a running-back-by-committee tactic to their rushing attack, fantasy owners should be worried about the production for Jones.

Add in the fact that injuries will cause the coaching staff to not trust their new starting running back around the goal line, and Tanner could be the ultimate deep-league flex play.

As for Jones’ final numbers, he will have a modest day and eventually lose his hold on the starting job by the end of the game. If DeMarco Murray isn’t back in Week 9, Tanner and Jones will be splitting carries at a 50/50 rate.

Final Line: 14 rushes for 44 yards and no touchdowns

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