Maurice Jones-Drew a game-time decision, team optimistic
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) runs up the middle to set up a field goal at the end of in the second quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Jacksonville Jaguars veteran running back Maurice Jones-Drew missed last week’s game with a hamstring injury that he suffered in Week 14 against the Houston Texans, and he is currently listed questionable on the team’s official injury report. Jones-Drew was able to return to practice on Friday, but most people still did not expect him to play today against the rival Tennessee Titans. This expectation has led Jaguars No. 2 RB Jordan Todman, who had a monster workload and over 100 rushing yards in MJD’s absence last week, to become a legitimate fantasy option, but it seems like his value is set to decrease at least a little bit as a result of a recent report.
Per the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Maurice Jones-Drew will still be a game-time decision, but the Jaguars are “optimistic” that he will be able to return and play in today’s game against the Titans. MJD is a total toss-up for today’s game, and he isn’t worth trusting in fantasy leagues (hamstring injuries tend to be nagging with older backs). As for Todman, he’s tough to trust, too, and fantasy owners of both players absolutely have to keep as up-to-date as possible on MJD’s status before coming to a decision.
If I were the Jaguars, then I would honestly list MJD as an inactive this week and bring him back in Week 17 against the Indianapolis Colts. Jones-Drew desperately wants to play since it’s a contract year, but the Jaguars don’t have the same inclination. I’m sure they want to make sure that Jones-Drew is as healthy as possible, and they definitely shouldn’t feel the need to risk playing him. Again, hamstring issues are tricky for older backs, and the fact of the matter is that a 100% Jordan Todman is going to be significantly more effective than a less-than-100% MJD. Additionally, the Jaguars would be able to scout out Todman more by starting him today. Even if MJD plays, I expect Todman to receive most of the workload, and fantasy owners need to keep a potential carry split in mind.