Not long ago, Redskins HC Jay Gruden had fantasy owners foaming at the mouth over a potential workhorse role for Derrius Guice. Though Gruden claimed Guice “doesn’t have to come off the field on third down,” the team’s actions suggest otherwise. They already brought Adrian Peterson back following his 2018 Renaissance. More concerningly, the Redskins also drafted Bryce Love, who’s only a season and ACL injury removed from a prolific, Heisman worthy campaign.
With receiving dynamo Chris Thompson “as healthy as he’s felt in a while,” the Redskins backfield is shaping up to be a nightmare committee situation. As much as we love Guice’s talent, these major “Usage” concerns, along with the health risks, have us low on his 2019 fantasy prospects.
In fact, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Guice required multiple surgeries and is “coming along a little slower” than expected. Even with full health, who knows how Washington’s “Ground Pie” will be distributed between four quality options. Guice certainly has the talent to shoulder the majority of work, but Love is also incredibly dynamic in all facets of the game if healthy. Thompson is among the league’s better third down backs. Peterson just ripped off 1,042 rushing yards last season.
Plus, the overall offense isn’t exactly inspiring. Last season, the Redskins ranked 29th in the league with just 17.6 points per contest. Sure, rookie Dwayne Haskins could provide a spark, but this is a complex scheme with minimal weaponry outside of the backfield. I’ll pass on shared work within a low-powered attack. Give me Mark Ingram, David Montgomery, or even Kenyan Drake at similar or even cheaper prices.
