C.J. Spiller & Arian Foster Revisited

I profiled C.J. Spiller and Arian Foster earlier this summer (click their names to read the articles), suggesting that both RBs would be solid RB3 or flex players. Both RBs had teammates succumb to injuries in recent days, which cleared the path for additional carries. The question now is whether or not they have become legitimate RB2s.

I’ll start with Spiller, who had not one but two teammates get hurt. Fred Jackson broke a bone in his hand, an injury that should cost him between four to six weeks. If the injury lingers to the high end of the estimated recovery time, Jackson would miss two weeks of the season.

Marshawn Lynch suffered a sprained ankle, which could cost him three to four weeks, so he should be back right before the season opener.

Spiller will get the rest of the preseason to take all of the first team reps. Given the lofty expectations that come being from a top 10 pick, Spiller could take hold of the starting job and never let go. With his big play potential, Spiller becomes a legitimate RB2 in my eyes, with a legitimate shot at 1200 total yards.

Meanwhile Arian Foster’s job security was bolstered when rookie Ben Tate suffered a season-ending ankle injury of his own. Tate was expected to challenge and possibly overtake Foster for the role of starting RB.

Not only did Foster lose his primary competition, but also Steve Slaton’s fumbling problem resurfaced. Nothing gets you in a coach's doghouse faster than putting the ball on the carpet. Slaton figures to have a significant role in the offense, especially in passing situations, but if the fumbles persist, Foster could get an even heavier workload.

With his team's potent passing attack, Foster should be able to turn in a productive season and join Spiller in the RB2 ranks.

Click here to see my updated RB rankings.