Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Add Lions running back Craig Reynolds?

Craig Reynolds had a nice performance as the Detroit Lions’ lead back on Sunday, but should fantasy football managers care heading into the playoffs?

There weren’t many highlights for the Detroit Lions during Sunday’s 38-10 loss to the Denver Broncos, as an undermanned roster was simply overmatched. One standout was running back Craig Reynolds, who had 11 carries for 83 yards along with two catches for 16 yards. With one game left, the former practice squader is lined up to finish as a top-24 running back across the board in fantasy for Week 14.

With D’Andre Swift (shoulder) out another game, Jamaal Williams on the COVID-19/reserve list, Jermar Jefferson still dealing with the flu and Godwin Igwebuike fumbling twice (one that counted) on Sunday, Reynolds became the last man standing at running back for the Lions.

A 35-yard run got him off to a nice start.

Reynolds ultimately got the most snaps among Detroit’s running backs on Sunday, by one (29 to 28) over Igwebuike (Jefferson played three snaps). At minimum, he should have a spot on the 53-man roster for the rest of the season–likely over Igwebuike.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Add Craig Reynolds?

Swift seems likely to miss a third straight game in Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder. There’s an increasing chance he’s placed on IR and shut down for the season, with nothing to be gained by putting him on the field at less than full strength and only four games left.

Williams’ status for Week 15 depends a lot on his vaccination status, which is unclear at this point. Even if he is vaccinated, he has to register negative tests 24 hours apart before he can return. So we’ll call his return from the COVID-19 list after a one-game absence questionable right now, and it could go either way between now and Sunday.

Igwebuike did not make the most of his opportunity against the Broncos, and as mentioned his status on the active roster feels very tenuous. When he gets over the flu, Jefferson is not likely to step into a huge role.

For most fantasy managers, Reynolds is on the edge of incredibly speculative waiver wire add and a viable roster stash for the playoffs in case he has a large role. In leagues with 12 or more teams there are certainly worse ways to use a back-end roster spot, over extras elsewhere that have no chance to be used in upcoming money-making weeks.