Only a month into the season, several third- and fourth-string RBs have shown hints of fantasy relevance. Add rookie RB C.J. Donaldson to the list.
On the one hand, Donaldson doesn't fit the mold of an impactful fantasy running back. West Virginia recruited him as a tight end and converted him to RB as a freshman. He became their bell cow as a sophomore, carrying the ball 13+ times in 10 straight games. As a junior, his usage became a bit more erratic, and his rushing efficiency declined.
He transferred to Ohio State as a senior, where his usage and efficiency dropped against somewhat tougher competition. He didn't show enough to be drafted this spring and instead started the season on the Saints' practice squad.
But a lot has changed in New Orleans
these past few weeks. Travis Etienne is on injured reserve. Alvin Kamara is hobbled. Kendre Miller has dramatically underwhelmed. There's a small opening for Donaldson to make some noise.
There are three main reasons to add a player off waivers. One is because you need him in your lineup right now. Another is because you want to stash him for later. A third reason -- one that I use fairly often when I have enough bench space -- is to find someone whose fantasy value is more likely to go up than down.
Donaldson is viewed as irrelevant. His size and abilities near the end zone could make him relevant overnight. He has nowhere to go but up.
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This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Why fantasy managers should care about Saints rookie RB C.J. Donaldson
