Minnesota Vikings superstar running back Adrian Peterson, currently facing possible jail time for child abuse, has had a trial date set for December 1. Peterson is currently on the commissioner's exempt list, and the Vikings said he would not be welcome to return until his legal matters are resolved.
Peterson is pushing to speed up the process, but if he goes to trial December 1 the earliest he could come back is Week 12, likely too late for his owners to benefit much. In that case, fantasy owners need to start finding players that can replace Peterson over the long haul.
Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon have long been added, so here's a group of players owned in less than 50 percent of leagues that have high upside.
Antone Smith, Atlanta Falcons
Smith is having a breakout season of sorts, with big production despite very limited touches. Smith has touched the rock just 12 times over the last three games, yet still amassed 197 yards and scored three touchdowns.
His action will remain limited as long as Steven Jackson stays healthy, but Jackson often has trouble staying healthy. Smith has vastly outperformed Jacquizz Rodgers and rookie Devonta Freeman, so if Jackson goes down Smith will take the lion's share of the work. Atlanta's offensive line has been shaky, but his contributions in the passing game will lend value.
Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are insisting that Doug Martin is their guy, but Rainey has been the better, and healthier back this season. Rainey had six carries and caught three passes, chewing up 42 all-purpose yards and scoring a rushing touchdown.
In 2014 Rainey has averaged 4.7 yards to Martin's putrid 2.5. Martin hasn't topped 14 carries in any game yet either, since the Bucs have tried to utilize their big targets in the passing game. Mike Evans is out though, and if Martin continues to run into the line and get stopped, Lovie Smith will have no choice but to turn to the more versatile Rainey.
Expect him to supplant Martin sooner rather than later-he's definitely not Peterson, but who is?
Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
McFadden isn't special these days, as it seems his past injuries have sapped some of his athleticism, but Maurice Jones-DrewAD doesn't appear to be much of a threat to him. With Tony Sparano being handed the keys to the team, and his penchant for run-heavy offenses, McFadden's usage is likely to spike.
He also may see some Wildcat action. Don't laugh-Sparano still likes running the Wildcat, and McFadden's use of it as an Arkansas Razorback helped it explode on the NFL scene. Replacing Peterson requires backs that will see carries and/or targets in the passing game. McFadden's no longer a stud, but he will get work.
Juwan Thompson, Denver Broncos
Adding Thompson would be very speculative, but could pay off in a big way. Montee Ball was expected to be the workhorse for the Broncos, but he has struggled and now is expected to miss at least three games with a strained groin. Ronnie Hillman, Thompson, and C.J. Anderson may all get chances to impress, and possibly wrest the starting role for themselves even when Ball returns.
Anderson was a healthy scratch last week, while Hillman has had opportunities in the past and squandered them. Thompson has no track record yet of screwing up, so he could be the best bet.
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