Knowshon Moreno Will Thrive in Week 6 Return vs. Green Bay Packers

When Knowshon Moreno was tearing up the New England Patriots defense to the tune of 134 rushing yards and a touchdown in Week 1, it looked like the Miami Dolphins had an absolute steal in the veteran running back.

After all, they signed him to a one-year deal worth $3 million during the offseason, and he looked just like the player who tallied 1,038 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns for the Denver Broncos a season ago.

However, that all came to a crashing halt in Week 2 when he dislocated his elbow against the Buffalo Bills.

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While Moreno has not been on the field since that injury, he will once again thrive in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers in his return. He is reportedly progressing quickly in his recovery and has been practicing with a brace to protect the elbow as the team prepares for Green Bay. 

He also sounded ready to go, via Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel:

"

It's disappointing, because you just want to be out there helping your team out, but it's part of the game. Those things happen. I just have to fight back and do whatever you have to do in the training room to get back on the field, and once you are on the field just do what you have to do. 

"

Moreno actually said that he was four weeks from returning back on Oct. 1, but that no longer appears to be the case. Of course, fantasy owners probably weren’t too pleased with that premature projection, as Fox Sports’ Katie Nolan can attest:

We know from last season and this year’s opener just how effective a healthy Moreno can be when he is on the field. The best news for the Dolphins (and fantasy owners) about what appears to be an impending return is the Week 6 opponent.

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The Packers have given up 163 rushing yards a game through the first five weeks this season, which just so happens to be dead last in the entire NFL. Green Bay has also allowed 12 rushing touchdowns in its last eight road games, and Sunday’s contest is in Miami.

Against the Packers this year, Matt Forte tallied 122 rushing yards and 49 receiving yards, and Marshawn Lynch finished with 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Elite running backs can beat this defense, and Moreno is primed to do just that in Week 6.

The presence of Lamar Miller will not be a problem for Moreno’s production either (unless you are a fantasy owner, then you may have to worry about vulture touchdowns).

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Yes, Miller ran for 108 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs and two touchdowns against the Oakland Raiders, but that success should be encouraging for those looking for a breakout game from Moreno. The Dolphins are fifth in the NFL in rushing yards per game (142.3), and the revamped offensive line is clearly doing something right.

That means Moreno should have plenty of holes against a porous Green Bay defense.

The Dolphins will likely look to use both Moreno and Miller early and often on the ground in an effort to keep Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and the rest of the Packers offense off the field Sunday. Moreno should see plenty of carries, even if he is splitting time with Miller, as Miami tries to shorten the game and exploit Green Bay’s front seven. 

Moreno could not have asked for a better matchup upon his return. Now all he has to do is take advantage of it.

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