Two months ago as the season was approaching I jotted off an article about five off-the-radar running backs who might make noise in 2009. So far one (Kevin Jones) has gone belly up for the season, and another (Edgerrin James) was signed by the Seattle Seahawks, where they quickly discovered he's lost his edge. Another name on that list was Ahman Green. Word out of Green Bay today is that the Packers have all but inked a deal to bring their former four time pro-bowler back for a second helping. If he plays like James has played for the Seahawks, it may just be for seconds, period. Back up RB DeShawn Wynn is currently injured and there is no timetable for his return.
While the deal is not yet done, the Packers worked out a handful of RBs last week, and Green makes the most sense for the team. The question is how much would he play and what might his impact be? With Ryan Grant doing a decent job in toting the rock this season, back-up touches have been limited, so there does not seem to be much upside in even the deepest of leagues. However, here are a few reasons why Green might be a potential fantasy factor if he does indeed return to the fold, er, Pack.
- He's a great homecoming comeback story in the waiting. Fans and teammates will be rooting for him to show he still has gas in the tank.
- Ryan Grant has been running at a 3.8 YPC average. Not bad, but not the 4+ YPC you expect from your primary running back. He also only has 2 TDs so far.
- If you haven't noticed yet Grant's fullback John Kuhn who was not involved in the team's first two games, has had 3 touchdowns in DeShawn Wynn's absence. If the FB can be a touchdown vulture, imagine what Green might do in terms of taking 20% of the touches and the goal-line snaps...
In all I think his fantasy impact, if and when he signs, will be minimal, but be aware he could do something. If you have a deep bench and room, you could stash him in and hope.
