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The Arizona Cardinals sustained injuries to three running backs in their Week 5 loss to the Eagles, leaving Eno Benjamin as the last man standing to lead the ground attack. Starting back James Conner missed the second half with a rib injury and his availability for Week 6 is uncertain.
Waiver claims are likely to run before we have more clarity on Conner’s status, but fantasy leagues are won by acting ahead of the news.
If James Conner does suit up for Week 6, is Eno Benjamin still in line for increased usage? If Conner isn’t ready to go, are the Cardinals expected to lean on Eno? Here’s what we know.
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Is Eno Benjamin A Viable Fantasy Football Asset In 2022?
James Conner is comfortably atop Arizona’s depth chart, leading the position in snap count, rushing attempts, and yardage. Eno Benjamin is consistently involved as the primary backup, being on the field for 34% of snaps through five games with Conner active.
Benjamin’s snap count percentage jumped to a season-high 54% in Week 5 with a depleted backfield. The increased workload translated to eight carries for 25 yards, along with three receptions for 28 yards. He also capped off his contribution with an 11-yard rushing touchdown to inspire some Cardinal hope in the fourth quarter.
Benjamin has received four targets in all but one game this season, converting 17 total targets into 97 yards on 12 catches.
His -1.3 yard average depth of target (aDOT) indicates limited usage as a downfield threat. His production after the catch is the intriguing piece, however, with an average of 9.9 yards after catch per reception (YAC/R).
Benjamin is a relatively versatile back, and limited weapons may force the Cardinals to find creative ways to move the ball.
Is James Conner Playing In Week 6? What Is The Current Status Of The Arizona Backfield?
James Conner exited the game before the second half of Week 5 with a rib injury. The extent of the injury isn’t expected to be severe, but his inability to return to the game is concerning.
Conner was already monitoring injuries to his knee and ankle. Even if he’s in a condition to play next week, Eno still holds value as a handcuff this season. As the old saying goes: hope for the best but prepare for your fantasy starters to get hurt at some point.
The presence of running back Darrel Williams also casts some doubt as to how the Cardinals could approach a Connerless backfield. However, Williams’ availability is also uncertain after suffering a knee injury in Week 5.
Injured or not, Williams has yet to out-touch Eno in his four games suiting up as a Cardinal, and he hasn’t registered a catch since Week 2. His 16 total carries account for 16% of attempts among running backs. Benjamin's 30% share of carries suggests he is the next man up.
If Williams is active, and Conner isn’t, he figures to work in on early downs for a few drives.
Should I Add Eno Benjamin In Fantasy Football Ahead Of Week 6?
Given the scarcity of healthy and reliable fantasy running backs, it would be a “cardinal” sin to leave Eno Benjamin on the waivers in 12-team or deeper leagues. He is widely available and should at least be rostered for his value as a handcuff.
In Week 6, the Cardinals face a Seattle Seahawks defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.
If both James Conner and Darrel Williams miss time, Benjamin's anticipated volume should land him in RB2 territory for Week 6. If Williams plays and Conner is out, Benjamin should be more conservatively viewed as a flex play with an upside. It will be hard to trust any other Arizona running back in fantasy lineups when Conner is active going forward.
Keep an eye on RotoBaller’s news feed for updates on player availability.
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