Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard was upgraded to a full practice on Thursday. Bernard took reps with the first team and is now on track to make his return against the Houston Texans.
Giovani Bernard upgraded to full practice Thursday, looking good for fantasy return
Giovani Bernard got a full practice Thursday and should be back for Week 12. We break down the fantasy implications.
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Bernard suffered a hip injury in Week 8 and missed the past three games. Rookie Jeremy Hill has been more than capable filling in for Bernard, leading offensive coordinator Hue Jackson to refuse naming a starter for Sunday. Bernard has 446 rushing yards and five touchdowns in seven games this season. Hill racked up 361 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the three games Bernard missed.
Fantasy impact: This is looking like a full-blown timeshare for the rest of the season. For the Bengals, that’s a good problem to have -- Bernard and Hill are both supremely talented backs who the team can lean on for a playoff push. For fantasy owners, it creates an unnecessary headache as they prepare for their own playoff runs.
If we had to read the tea leaves, we’d guess that Hill remains the leading rusher this week while Bernard gets eased back into action. Hill should be the more reliable RB2/flex play against Houston’s defense.
