Niner Noise
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Fantasy football: Waiver-wire players to watch in Week 4

By Jay Marsdale

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 17: Robby Anderson #11 of the New York Jets runs a 40 yard touchdown pass against Bacarri Rambo #30 of the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on December 17, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 17: Robby Anderson #11 of the New York Jets runs a 40 yard touchdown pass against Bacarri Rambo #30 of the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on December 17, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Wendell Smallwood #28 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes for yardage during the first quarter of the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. ( Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Wendell Smallwood #28 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes for yardage during the first quarter of the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. ( Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Wendell Smallwood (PHI)

Wendell Smallwood is now the most experienced receiving running back on the Philadelphia Eagles active roster. With Darren Sproles done for the season, someone is going to need to fill his shoes on offense. Why isn’t that going to be Smallwood?

Starting running back LeGarrette Blount is in line for increased rushes, but he has never been a good receiver. The Eagles have a ton of plays designed to get their running backs receptions because of Sproles versatility. It seems unlikely they just throw away and entire section of their playbook.

Smallwood is the guy they are going to use as a type of pseudo-Sproles. Any running back getting more than five targets a game through the air must be owned in far more than 11.4 percent of ESPN leagues.

All some players need is an opportunity and this is Smallwood’s opportunity to prove what he can do. Smallwood is sharing the rushing duties with Blount and getting all the receptions out of the backfield. He has to prove to the Eagles that he is worth the touches and then he is a waiver-wire steal.