With two games officially under their belts, the 2017 rookie class is starting to make their presence felt in the NFL. Most rookies will not see the field much in the regular season. However, there are a handful of rookies who will make a mark on the league and in fantasy right away.
Fantasy Football 2017: Preseason Week 3 rookie running back preview
We take a look at the most notable rookie running backs to watch in preseason Week 3.
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This week teams prepare for preseason Week 3, the prelude to the regular season. Looking ahead to such a pivotal game, here are some rookie rushers worth watching and a preview of their fantasy impact.
Fournette has been ruled out for the Jaguars third preseason game. The team hosts the Carolina Panthers Thursday night. Fournette has been battling a foot injury since preseason Week 1, the same foot that bothered him during his career at LSU. He is expected to miss the final preseason game as well, but the fourth-overall pick says he will be ready for the first week of the regular season.
Fournette is still expected to be the starter in Jacksonville. Since the Jaguars are playing on a short week, it is no surprise that Fournette is sitting out. If he sits preseason Week 4 as well, Jacksonville’s first-round pick will only have 12 snaps in the preseason. Regardless, he has been the best looking rusher on the field for the Jaguars and if he can play, he is a no-brainer RB1.
Taking all the first team snaps since preseason Week 1, Cook is officially the featured running back in Minnesota. The Vikings are committed to starting and using their second-round pick more than any other back in the back field. He could even eclipse the larger Latavius Murray in goal line situations this season.
Cook is going in drafts fast. Rightfully so, he has played well all preseason and the Vikings’ commitment to Cook is reassuring for owners. Cook is perhaps one of the few rookies that will make a big and instant impact in fantasy. He is shaping up to be a RB1 in most leagues.
Conner made a mark in is career debut during preseason Week 2. The third-round pick rushed for 98 yards on 20 carries Sunday against Atlanta. He has worked his way up the depth chart to the second slot while Le’Veon Bell still holds out. Conner could get some first-team snaps in the third preseason game against the Colts.
It is hard to tell how much playing time Conner will have in the regular season. The backfield situation in Pittsburgh is all over the place with not Bell returning until after preseason Week 3. For now, his play is gaining attention from the team and that something to note. Even when Bell returns, Conner should still see some good time on the field. However, whether Connor will be a factor in fantasy is still hard to call.
Kamara has competed hard this preseason. Through two games the third-round pick out of Tennessee has rushed for 96 yards and an explosive 50-yard touchdown. He was worked his way onto the field alongside powerhouse veterans Adrian Peterson and Mark Ingram.
Kamara is a long way from starting, but he will make an impact most likely in the short passing game. He is one of those under-the-radar rookies who, if Ingram or Peterson runs into issues, will be able to come in and make an instant mark. Owners looking for a late-round grab or a waiver player to watch should definitely star Kamara, especially in PPR leagues.
