Lamar Miller's Updated 2014 Fantasy Outlook After Knowshon Moreno's Injury

Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller has developed into a reliable fantasy commodity this season, and that will most definitely continue with Knowshon Moreno no longer in the picture. 

According to the Dolphins' official Twitter account, Moreno has been placed on injured reserve after tearing his ACL in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers:

Sunday marked Moreno's return to the lineup after missing two games due to an elbow injury. Unfortunately for the former Denver Broncos star, his comeback was short-lived.

The loss of Moreno hurts Miami's backfield depth, but it presents Miller with an opportunity to be a true workhorse for the Dolphins. While he struggled in that role last year, the 23-year-old speedster has relished it in 2014.

ATT	YDS	YPC	RUSH TD	REC	YDS	REC TD
63	330	5.2	3	15	93	1

Over the past three contests, the University of Miami product is averaging over 97 total yards and one touchdown per game. That makes him a viable RB2 play in fantasy and a flex play at worst for owners with considerable running back depth.

During Miller's solid all-around showing against the Pack in Week 6, Courtney Fallon of CBS Sports Network commented on his rapid improvement:

The only thing that may give fantasy owners pause when it comes to utilizing Miller on a weekly basis is the fact that he burned those who put faith in him last season. After being heralded as a potential breakout star, Miller put up a mere 709 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Things weren't expected to get much better for him this year after the signing of Moreno, however, the added competition may have energized Miller.

Now that he is the unquestioned bell-cow back, there should be nothing standing between Miller and fantasy stardom.

The Dolphins have shown some commitment to the running game this year with quarterback Ryan Tannehill struggling, and Miller will be a major beneficiary of that moving forward.

With that in mind, fantasy owners should do everything they can within reason to get Miller on their team. He is an ideal trade target for those who don't own him due to the fact that his overall career production has been modest to this point. Because of that, it may not cost a premium to get him.

As for the fantasy owners who already possess Miller, it would be wise to keep him close. Unless someone is truly willing to overpay, Miller shouldn't be on the move. He is a player who has yet to reach his ceiling, and it would be heartbreaking to watch him do it on someone else's roster.

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