Rashad Jennings' Injury Will Limit Fantasy Production Against Tennessee Titans

New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings is coming off a 91-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13 and now has the opportunity to punish the lowly Tennessee Titans in Week 14. Sounds like a fantasy football manager's dream, right?

However, Jennings owners looking for a big day from the veteran bruiser against one of the leakiest run defenses in the league could be set up for disappointment. Jennings is tough tailback, but an ailing ankle will limit his production against the Titans and spoil a potential blockbuster day.

According to NJ.com's Jordan Ranaan, Jennings is listed at questionable for Sunday with a sprained right ankle and didn't practice until Friday. There is no guarantee that he plays. But if he does, it won't blow anyone away.

The Titans have allowed 23.44 points per game to opposing running backs this season, per Yahoo Sports. They're soft up the middle, and the defense usually doesn't play well enough to keep opposing offenses honest throughout the game. More often than not, the Titans' opponents are protecting a lead at the end of the game and using a steady dose of running plays to wind down the clock.

There are some, like ESPN.com's Matthew Berry, who see Jennings as a surefire starter if he does suit up against the Titans:

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Hoping it's Rashad Jennings, it might be Andre Williams, but whoever it is gets the start for me against a Titans team that is allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Now just a heads-up: Jennings is a better running back than Williams and a more versatile one as well, and earlier in the season, when Jennings was hurt, Williams was fairly ineffective as a starter. So Jennings would be a top-10 play for me this week if healthy, but if he's out, Williams is a top-20 play.

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Jennings would be understandably disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to feast on the Titans defense and is preparing to play, but the 29-year-old did admit he won't be at full strength.

"It felt like...you can feel it," he said, via Ranaan. "It's definitely not going to be [100 percent]. It's just getting it to the point where I can go."

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If Jennings was the only viable running back on the roster, he might be forced to play a big role. However, the Giants have options in the backfield who are likely to see bigger roles on Sunday, taking away crucial touches from Jennings.

Williams hasn't had much luck carrying the ball this season, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. However, the Giants trusted him while Jennings was injured earlier in the season, and Williams has had four games with 15-plus carries this season. Better yet, he's scored three times in the team's last five games.

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

The ankle injury might also preclude Jennings from making an impact in the passing game, an area where he usually excels. He has 26 receptions for 188 yards in eight games this season, but the ankle could slow him down and prevent him from getting separation out in the flat.

Williams is no threat in the passing game, so it's quite possible third-string back Orleans Darkwa gets some extra snaps on passing downs. Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo likes the different skill set Darkwa brings to the team.

"He is a shiftier type guy and we like him…stay tuned. We will leave it at that," McAdoo said, via Ranaan.

Darkwa, who was signed from the Miami Dolphins' practice squad, has just three receptions for 31 yards this season—all with his former team.

If Jennings is limited to running between the tackles, Darkwa could be Eli Manning's checkdown option of choice on Sunday. 

Look for Jennings to put up modest fantasy numbers worthy of a flex start if he gets in the game, but don't expect a game like he had against the Jaguars. If there are healthier options on your fantasy team, they should be worth a look this week.

There is still a good chance that Jennings doesn't play at all against the Titans. In that case, don't expect Williams to have as much trouble putting up points. He will get the ball early and often if forced to play by himself, making him a strong flex option. If Jennings does play, Williams isn't much more than a bench option, especially with the presence of Darkwa.