Bishop Sankey Is Still Worth a Bench Stash in Fantasy Leagues

When the Tennessee Titans let Chris Johnson walk in the offseason and then proceeded to spend a second-round draft pick on Bishop Sankey, many thought a fantasy star was born. 

That still could very well be true, but the University of Washington product is quite clearly a ways away from providing meaningful production. 

While the Ken Whisenhunt era got off to a tremendous start with a 26-10 win over the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday afternoon, Sankey found himself near the bottom of the running back totem pole. He finished with six carries for 25 yards, while Shonn Greene received 15 touches, Dexter McCluster got 10 and even Leon Washington finished with four.

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

Yuck.

Despite being bumped up to second on the Titans' unofficial depth chart a week ago, Sankey found himself fourth during the actual game, per ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky:

As FootballGuys.com's Sigmund Bloom also pointed out, he didn't even receive a touch until the second half when the Titans had established a comfy lead:

If you're an owner of the Sankey Leg, you've just got to stash him on your bench and try not to think about it. He's just not getting enough snaps that you can trust him in your starting lineup. 

But unless you're in a 10-team league or smaller, or your league deducts points for time spent on the sideline, you have to resist the temptation to drop him. He's the most talented running back in Tennessee's backfield, and he's already showing improvement after a forgettable start to his offseason. 

Whisenhunt praised the rookie following the team's last preseason game, via TitansOnline.com:

"

I think that it was obvious that he’s a talented young man. He ran the ball very well last night, very decisive, made good cuts. We’ve seen growth from him, as well. I think, just like with Zach (Mettenberger), we’ve seen growth with Bishop (Sankey). He’s gotten better, obviously, at his exchanges with the quarterbacks. His course on his footwork has improved. His vision is good. He’s seeing the holes well. His protection, he’s done a nicer job with that as he’s gone through it, so from a young guy that you’re trying to get prepared to contribute during the season, you’ve seen growth, you’ve seen him moving along with that, and that’s what you needed to see. I’m happy with him.

"

Tennessee didn't take Sankey as the first running back off the board in May to let him toil around with McCluster and Washington. But these things take time. He still needs to improve his pass protection and continue to get comfortable to the speed of the NFL. 

The talent is there, though, so don't give up after 60 minutes of regular-season football. 

By the time the second half of the season rolls around, you'll be happy you have Sankey—or pounced after an impatient owner let him go.