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Injuries to top fantasy football stars have forced owners to consider starting players with limited track records early in the season. One such player is Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II, who took over after De'Von Achane suffered a knee injury. Achane will miss the rest of the year with a torn ACL, leaving Gordon as the next man up.
But can Gordon be trusted in Week 4? After Achane went down early in Week 3, Gordon carried the ball 17 times for 41 yards and a touchdown, and caught all three of his targets for 14 yards. The volume is encouraging, but the efficiency is not.
That could be just one of many issues Gordon faces in Week 4. The first, and most persistent, is the Dolphins' offense. Miami has one of the worst offenses in the league and just lost its best player. The unit is likely to be a disaster moving forward, with few touchdown opportunities and struggles to sustain drives. Additionally, the Dolphins are often playing from behind, limiting rushing attempts late in games.
Jaylen Wright is also looming. Despite missing Week 3, Wright is not dealing with a serious injury and could return in Week 4. Last season, Wright beat out Gordon for the RB2 role and is listed ahead of him on the team's unofficial depth chart. Once Wright is back, a split backfield is expected, with Wright leading around 60/40. Wright should also be the primary pass-catching back, while Gordon could see goal-line work. Unfortunately, as mentioned, goal-line opportunities may be scarce for Miami this season.
Even if Wright remains out, Gordon faces a brutal matchup against an elite Minnesota Vikings defense in Week 4. The Vikings are allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season, at just 10.9 points per game. Minnesota has faced MarShawn Lloyd, D'Andre Swift, and Bucky Irving so far this season.
The answer is simple: No, you cannot trust Gordon in Week 4, and probably not at any point this season. If targeting a Dolphins running back on the waiver wire, Wright is the better option.
Key Analysis
Gordon's volume is appealing, but his inefficiency and the Dolphins' overall struggles make him a risky fantasy play. With Wright potentially returning and a tough Vikings defense on tap, Gordon is best left on the bench. Fantasy owners should look elsewhere for running back help.