Daniel Thomas Injury: Is Dolphins RB Lex Hilliard Worth a Fantasy Add This Week?

With Miami Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas scheduled to play through his hamstring injury this Monday night against the New York Jets, the question for fantasy GMs is how much he will play, and how many of his carries will be given to fellow back Lex Hilliard?

Hilliard had the majority of reps in practice this week. Though Thomas is going to play, he's unlikely to get as many carries as Hilliard while still injured. This makes Hilliard an intriguing fantasy football pickup for those owners struggling with injuries or needing bye-week replacements.

Hilliard has nine rushes for 25 yards and a touchdown and two receptions for 26 yards through four games, consistent with his role as a No. 3 change-of-pace back behind Thomas and Reggie Bush, the latter still searching for his place in the Dolphins offense.

While Bush will have ample opportunity to prove his worth on Monday night and could see himself with more carries than Hilliard, it's hard to believe that his impact will be any greater than it's been thus far this season.

Clearly, the Dolphins are going to be approaching their offense differently, coming off of the bye with Matt Moore at quarterback with Chad Henne out for the season with a shoulder injury. It's not inconceivable that Bush could get yet another push, just out of necessity.

But there are so many questions regarding Bush's ability to be a consistent player for a Miami offense swirling with more problems than they have ways to solve them; therefore, while Thomas will be a marginal factor in the team's running game, look for Hilliard to break out on Monday night.

Adding Hilliard is a risky move that I only recommend to fantasy owners with a clear need at running back this week. But there are definite rewards to be had from him. If you're suffering at the position this week, Hilliard is worth looking into.