Fansided

New Texans Running Back Chris Polk Can Become A Fantasy Stud, But It Won’t Be Easy

By Robert Townsend

facebooktwitterreddit

Running back Chris Polk, a former Philadelphia Eagles back, has been signed by the Houston Texans according to media reports. On the surface, Chris Polk is simply added depth in a crowded backfield that includes the workhorse Arian Foster, sophomore Alfred Blue, and fourth-year player Jonathan Grimes. However, given the right opportunity, I think Chris Polk could break out and become a start-worthy running back on the Texans.

More from Fantasy

Polk’s stats in his young career suggest he certainly has the ability to succeed behind a good offensive line. In two years with the Eagles, Polk averaged a strong 4.7 yards per carry and scored seven touchdowns on only 57 carries. His receiving statistics are paltry, only catching 6 balls on 8 targets, but whether the low totals are because he isn’t a good route runner or those just weren’t the plays he was asked to run isn’t conclusive. For what it’s worth, Polk caught 31 passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns during his fourth year at Washington, which suggests that he probably does have more potential in the passing game than it appears.

Nov 16, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Chris Polk (32) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 53-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

While the stats are good, what really stands in Chris Polk’s way to fantasy royalty is his competition. I am a huge fan of Arian Foster, probably just as much for his interesting personal life and hilarious tweets as his incredible abilities while running the ball. However, the fantasy owner part of me wants nothing to do with him because of his injury history.

In 2013, Foster missed half of the season because of a herniated disc in his back which required surgery. He’s also had repeated injuries to his legs, getting surgery on his ankle and knee in college. But my biggest fear is the durability of his hamstrings. Starting in 2011, when he tore his hamstring in the preseason, he’s reinjured them multiple times. Before the 2014 season he struggled with the hamstrings and in week 2 he pulled it again, missing games because of it. There have also been many instances throughout his career where he will start a game, but leave prematurely. As he ages (approaching 30), these injuries will only get worse.

Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) rushes during the second quarter as Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) attempts to make a tackle at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

When Arian Foster does play, he is a top-5 running back and Polk won’t get any opportunity. But if I’m betting on one running back to get injured in 2015, it would be Foster.

Live Feed

The Utah Jazz are surprisingly predicted to be a playoff contender
The Utah Jazz are surprisingly predicted to be a playoff contender /

The J-Notes

  • How the NBA In-Season Tournament helps the Cleveland CavaliersKing James Gospel
  • NBA Trades: This Heat-Spurs swap could pave the way for a Lillard tradeHoops Habit
  • Should the Atlanta Hawks want Zion Williamson?Soaring Down South
  • Hoops Habit's favorite moments and stories from the 2022-23 NBA seasonHoops Habit
  • Caesars NBA Bonus: Get Ahead of Next Season’s Hype with $1,250 PromoHoops Habit

    • If/when Arian Foster does miss time, Chris Polk still has some competition to get on the field. Alfred Blue. Fantasy owners may think positively of Blue because he had a few strong games as the starting RB. In week 3 vs. the Giants, Blue averaged 6 yards per carry when he got his first opportunity to start, and during his second start, week 11 against Cleveland, he ran for 156 yards on 36 carries (4.3 YPC).

    While these two games were great, Blue’s overall track record for 2014 does not suggest he is worthy of being handed the starting job over Chris Polk. Blue averaged a paltry 3.1 YPC, and he didn’t have a nose for the end zone like both Foster and Polk have proven to over their careers.

    Jonathan Grimes is yet another potential roadblock for Chris Polk gaining fantasy relevance. Many football and fantasy experts love his potential, but through three seasons, he hasn’t even proven consistent enough to stay on one team for very long (he even played on three different ones in one season). Grimes might not even be on the roster when week one comes around.

    At the moment, Chris Polk is nothing more than a name to jot down; pay attention to his progress during training camp. If he ascends the depth chart to the top backup, deep leagues should consider him worth a late-round flyer. If Arian Foster gets injured, he could be the perfect in-season pickup that boosts your team to the top.

    Next: Where Is Peyton Manning In Dave's Top 100?

    More from FanSided

    Home/Fantasy