Oakland’s starting running back last season, LaMont Jordan, can look forward to resuming that role for the team’s first four games of the regular season.
Dominic Rhodes was expected to be the team’s starter for 2007, given his natural fit in the team’s new blocking scheme. Unfortunately, the Raiders revealed today that he has been suspended without pay for Oakland’s first four games of the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Interestingly, another violation of the substance abuse policy (this was his second) will mean a full season away from football.
The Raiders did build depth at running back during the offseason to compensate for a potential loss such as this. LaMont Jordan is almost certain to be a good filler at running back during Rhodes’ absence, but it’s uncertain whether rookie Michael Bush will be ready for the start of the season. In fact, it seems a realistic possibility that he will sit out for a good chunk of the season; he’s still being limited in training camp.
Does this mean you should draft Jordan as your number one or two back? No; he’ll likely revert back to a number two role in the offense upon Rhodes’ return. But unless Rhodes is suspended again, you should find some good value in Jordan as your third running back (RB3). He didn’t have a great season in 2006 — he only carried 114 times — but he’s still undervalued as a fantasy team’s backup, especially if you have a starting running back with a week four bye (Jacksonville, New Orleans, Tennessee, and Washington are off that week).
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2 Comments
As a Raiders fan, I did not think I could be more disgusted than 2006. I was wrong. Lamont Jordan is doing his part to help us go 0-16. Lamont Jordan is a solid running back, and one of the only guys playing hard before his injury last year. At least JaMarcus Russell will do a good job holding a clipboard this year.
Anyway, I would like it very much if you would go to http://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/21020 and vote for me for best political blog and best overall blog as well, if you feel my blog is of a high quality. I really think I have a legitimate shot at winning. If you are open to spreading the word, that would be cool as well. Although I love sports, I am in the political category, so there is no conflict of interest. I would be happy to reciprocate.
Thank you.
eric aka http://www.blacktygrrrr.wordpress.com
As a Chargers fan I couldn’t be more happy with the Raiders in 2006. Or 2005. Or 2004. Or 2003. In fact, I think the rest of the AFC West absolutely loves what they bring to the table
By the way admin, great site–I have syndicated you in the general fantasy section of my forums.
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