Just a few hours after Leonard Fournette was declared out for Week 7 with his softest of soft tissue injuries, Adam Schefter dropped a bomb when he tweeted out that the Jaguars traded for Carlos Hyde. It was rumored that Fournette would return to the team after the Week 9 bye week, but after dealing a fifth rounder to the Browns for their workhorse back, who the hell knows when the big softy will return to the Jags’ backfield. Hyde will bring toughness and a knack to find the end zone to the current TJ Yeldon-led backfield, which should leave Fournette owners shivering under their covers.
Surprisingly, TJ Yeldon has had a decent season in Fournette’s role, averaging 4.5 yards a pop. However, the running back position has found the end zone only one time through six games. Hyde should be able to fix those woes since he reached pay-dirt five times through the first four games, which will definitely give Yeldon a stock down mark after this week (Hyde is not expected to play Week 7).
After giving up a fifth round pick, it’s clear that the Jaguars don’t have much faith in Yeldon as a lead back, and they’re worried about Fournette’s hamstring. As long as Fournette is out, Hyde is a locked-in RB2 in an offense that wants to pound the rock. On the other hand, Yeldon will be a pass-catching, third down back who doesn’t possess much fantasy value. If and when Fournette returns, one would think that Fournette and Hyde will be tied together in a committee to keep their franchise back healthy for a playoff run. Overall, this is a stock up for Hyde until their lead back returns, then it’s likely a stock down for both once Fournette’s hamstring heals.
Click here for analysis on Nick Chubb and the Browns’ backfield.
