Alfred Morris to 49ers; Branden Oliver to Colts: Fantasy Context
Two veteran running backs found new homes this week with Alfred Morris agreeing to terms with the 49ers while Branden Oliver signed on with the Colts.
Both backs got the call due to injuries plaguing the respective backfields of their new teams.
In San Francisco Jerick McKinnon is nursing a muscle strain while promising second year back Matt Breida is on the shelf until week one with a shoulder injury. Alfred Morris is a solid depth signing as a back who proved he can be a feature runner in the NFL who had his best years under San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan when the two were in Washington.
In Indianapolis presumed starter Marlon Mack is battling a strained hamstring while power back Robert Turbin is slated to miss the first four games of the season due to a suspension.
Both of these backs have the talent to be short term lead backs and should provide solid emergency depth if either of their teams starters are to miss time during the regular season.
Fantasy Context:
Alfred Morris – Alfred Morris should hit the ground running in San Francisco due to his familiarity with Kyle Shanahan’s offensive schemes where he was a two time pro bowler. Morris and Joe Williams will likely battle for first team reps for the rest of preseason with Williams likely to see a bit more just so K-Shan can see if he is ready to be his new Tevin Coleman. If McKinnon and Breida miss any games to start the season Morris will be a solid flex option as the back who should get the most touches rushing and should carry significant weekly touchdown upside running in a Jimmy G led offense. With McKinnon and Breida healthy Morris could be a weekly inactive or short yardage specialist with minimal to no fantasy value. Alfred Morris’ presence does not affect any of his fellow backs except for Jeremy McNichols. A worthy dart throw in the final rounds of best ball leagues and 16+ team formats Morris may find himself starting a game or two this season when all is said and done.
Branden Oliver – Oliver has not been much of a fantasy factor since his rookie season when he started seven games but landed in probably the most favorable running back room in the league, lack of talent wise at least. Oliver seems to be the only back on the roster capable of handling a full workload aside from perhaps rookie running back Jordan Wilkins. Oliver will likely find his way into a maddening RBBC at least until Robert Turbin returns, rotating snaps with whichever healthy backs are active including Marlon Mack, Jordan Wilkins, Nyheim Hines and after week four Robert Turbin. When all backs are healthy, everything else being equal we envision Mack and Wilkins leading this backfield in touches but Oliver is a name to file away for the end of your 30 round best ball and ocean deep format drafts.
