PPR machine James White will miss significant time for the first time in his NFL career. White, who has played at least 14 games in six straight seasons, suffered a hub subluxation that will likely end his fantasy season. With Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, Brandon Bolden, and JJ Taylor on the running back depth chart, the 5-foot-6 Taylor is the one who possesses the most similar skill-set to White and should be stashed at the end of fantasy benches off the Week 4 Waiver Wire.
The second-year undrafted free agent showed off that skill-set during the preseason when he racked up 179 rushing yards on 23 carries (7.8 ypc) and caught 10 balls for 62 yards over three games.
J.J. Taylor put him in a spin cycle 🌪
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/Rr8QlTXNwK
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 20, 2021
“As a runner, this son-of-a-gun, I’ll tell you what: He’s gonna cause some people some problems,” Fears told reporters before Week 1. “He’s little as s—, and people kind of find it hard to find his butt. When he goes to the line, they can’t find him.
“So that makes it exciting for him. He gets some plays that (other) guys don’t get because of his size.”
Built like an even smaller version of former Patriots legend Dion Lewis, Taylor has a legitimate chance to make an impact with White out indefinitely.
“He’s made some great strides in the passing game,” Fears added. “He’s a hell of a lot more productive as a route runner, whether we can catch him or coming out of the backfield.
“He stepped up and figured out that he’s got to learn what we do. And he still makes some crazy ass mistakes, but for the most part, he’s doing a hell of a job for us. He really is.”
Through the first two games, Mac Jones checked down to White 13 times, with the veteran running back securing 12 of those targets for 94 yards. He also added another 10 carries for 38 yards and a touchdown.
It’s clear there will be a real void in the Patriots’ backfield and while Harris will be asked to tote the rock at a higher clip, Stevenson, who was also impressive during the preseason, entered Bill Belichick’s doghouse after fumbling Week 1.
In true Patriots’ fashion, Fears said Harris, Stevenson, Bolden, and Taylor would all “share in replacing James White’s duties.” He also insinuated Stevenson will be let out of the doghouse.
“He has made big improvements on the stuff we asked him to make improvements on, and we’re kind of happy with him,” said Fears. “So we’re kind of excited to see if he can pick up a new role here. Maybe he can pick up some of the stuff James was doing. We’ll throw it at him this week and see what sticks at practice. See what he can handle.”
The Patriots’ RB coach also said Taylor will be asked to fill the void.
“With James not in there, we’ll actually see what he can do more of,” Fears said about Taylor. “Everybody’s going to have to have a piece of the role, and step their game up a little bit. I think J.J.’s one of the guys we have to take a look at.”
Unfortunately for the entire Patriots’ backfield, they get the ferocious Buccaneers front seven this week. But, it’ll be interesting to see which runner gets the nod in the passing game if the team goes down early and Jones is forced to throw the ball more than usual.
Even after Week 4 Waivers passed, Taylor is still only rostered in 1 percent of leagues. The little squirt scooted up to RB57 (+25 vs ECR) on The Wolf’s Rest of Season Fantasy Rankings.
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