Chris Ivory recovery progressing, could be available to fantasy owners Sunday
Ivory was expected to miss several weeks after his Week 3 injury, but it’s starting to look like he’ll be available for Week 5. We break down the fantasy implications.
Ron Antonelli
New York Jets running back Chris Ivory has been increasing his work in practice, participating in positional drills on Thursday, according to ESPN NFL Nation reporter Rich Cimini. His increased work improves the chances Ivory returns to action this Monday when the Jets face the Atlanta Falcons.
Ivory left the Jets' Week 3 game against the Buffalo Bills with a hamstring injury, which could cost him a month or more, per initial reports. He has progressed quickly, though, and Cimini noted Ivory could play this week. Ivory has run for 72 yards on 26 carries through two-plus games this season.
Fantasy impact: In Ivory's absence, Bilal Powell has been huge for the Jets, amassing 266 total yards in the last two games. Powell has pretty clearly set himself up as the team's No. 1 running back going forward, relegating Ivory to a backup role.
That said, the Jets are likely to be without top receivers Stephen Hill and Santonio Holmes in this Monday night matchup. Jeremy Kerley is also set to return from injury, and Mike Goodson is due back from suspension, but even then, the Jets will need every offensive weapon they can find going against Atlanta.
Odds are great that no one is starting Ivory, especially considering it’s a Monday night matchup and there is no guarantee Ivory will even be active. But his play is worth monitoring as he returns, just in case he develops into someone worth using.
• Week 5 fantasy football rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
