The Miami Dolphins have gone with a two-headed running back committee this season of Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas. It has driven fantasy owners insane. Now that Daniel Thomas has suffered a season-ending ankle injury, that is going to change.
According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Thomas tore a ligament in his left ankle during Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers. He is expected to avoid having surgery, though the injury likely signals the end of his 2013 season. Miller, who has averaged 4.2 yards per carry this year as opposed to Thomas’ 3.6 yards, is expected to receive a boost in touches.
Fantasy owners who have Miller will probably see improvement based on volume alone. And Miami’s schedule is relatively favorable through the end of the fantasy season. They travel to New York to face a first-ranked Jets’ rushing defense next week, which could be brutal. Then it’s off to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers, who allow 118.8 rushing yards per game. The Dolphins then face the New England Patriots, who have been shredded on the ground without Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo, before taking on the Buffalo Bills’ 24th-ranked rushing defense.
Miller could be a great asset in the fantasy playoffs, especially with cold weather becoming a factor and teams looking to keep the ball on the ground.
