The Broncos have used Michael Pittman, Selvin Young, and Andre Hall in the backfield this season, and -- aside from a few noteworthy games by Pittman -- the fantasy football fallout has been maddening. There's even been a trickle-down effect, because the Broncos inability to run the ball with any success has caused opposing defenses to back out of the box and send more men into coverage. This renders the dynamic Jay Cutler to Brandon Marshall passing connection much less prolific than they are capable. Enter rookie runner Ryan Torain.
Torain is, in my opinion, the most talented runner of the bunch. The coaches loved him in the preseason before he cracked his elbow. Now we have this little nugget, courtesy of the Rocky Mountain News:
Selvin Young has missed a game because of a groin injury, Michael Pittman has rib and neck injuries and rookie Ryan Torain has only started practicing again after suffering a fracture just above his left elbow during training camp.
Torain figures to play Sunday against Miami and likely will get increasingly more carries as the second half of the season progresses.
Don't go throwing the rook into your starting lineup or anything this week -- unless you are desperate due to injuries, bye weeks, or a crappy backfield -- but if you have room to stash him for the fantasy playoffs, I advise you do so immediately. He'll need a few weeks to get up to speed -- call it his new preseason -- but I like the thought of having him as their top runner by Week 11. Starting there, the Broncos face the Falcons, Raiders, Jets, and Chiefs for a four game stretch.
Torain will be ready to help propel you to the playoffs by then.
This year's Ryan Grant? Could be ... don't miss out this time. Go get him.
