The Ravens released Justin Forsett in a mild surprise. We thought it was possible, but Kenneth Dixon's knee injury in the third preseason game made it seem less likely. Who will be the main back early in the season?
Well, Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun thinks there's validity to the idea that Forsett will be re-signed. "I think it’s possible – if not probable – Forsett is back with the team and relatively soon," he writes. Zrebiec makes his case, but concedes he's just reading tea leaves and guessing.
But even if Forsett does return, Baltimore can't be counting on him playing a huge role in the offense. You don't risk losing a player and then make him a big part of the Week 1 game plan.
I think the Week 1 backfield will primarily be Terrance West and then Javorius Allen on third downs, and that's even if Forsett is brought back. So I'm adding West, if possible, in leagues where I've drafted, and will consider drafting him late elsewhere.
But I've been intrigued by Kenneth Dixon since he was drafted, and was definitely impressed by him in the third preseason game. But for his injury, there's no doubt in my mind he'd have been the Week 1 starter.
He won't be, but Week 3 or 4? Maybe. He's the Ravens back I'd draft first right now.
In a 20-round PPR league the other night, I threw a last-round pick at Allen. He'll be the third-down back, and given the question mark at starter, maybe he'll play more snaps than you might expect. Not because he was effective as a runner, but maybe the team uses more passing formations, and runs him on draws out of those. And sends a lot of passes his way.
So, we'll see. I'm ranking them Dixon, West and Allen for the season, and West-Allen for Week 1-2. I will let somebody else pick up Forsett.
