Strong finished the 2022 season with 10 carries for 100 yards and a TD in 15 games to go along with seven catches (on seven targets) for 42 yards.
What it means:
The 2022 fourth-rounder saw limited action as a rookie, with Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris handling the bulk of the Patriots' backfield duties. With Harris slated to become a free agent this offseason, there could be snaps and touches up for grabs next season for Strong, as well as 2022 sixth-rounder Kevin Harris. Though Strong is no threat to supplant Stevenson, the 5-foot-11, 205-pounder out of South Dakota State could potentially carve out enough of a change-of-pace role during his second pro campaign to merit fantasy consideration in PPR formats.
Strong caught both of his targets for 10 yards in Saturday's 22-18 loss to the Bengals.
What it means:
Even though Damien Harris (thigh) remained out Saturday, Strong logged just two snaps in the contest, while working behind Rhamondre Stevenson (51snaps), per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. As long as Stevenson and/or Harris are available, Strong can't be counted on to see enough touches to merit fantasy lineup consideration.
Strong carried the ball four times for 25 yards and caught all three of his targets for 12 yards in Sunday's 30-24 loss to the Raiders.
What it means:
The rookie was coming off a big performance against the Cardinals, but with Rhamondre Stevenson apparently fully recovered from his ankle injury and having a massive day, there weren't many touches left over for Strong in the New England backfield. He may have played well enough over the last two weeks to secure the No. 2 spot on the depth chart even once Damien Harris (thigh) is healthy, but his fantasy outlook seems dim for Week 16 against a Bengals defense that has stifled the likes of Nick Chubb and Derrick Henry over the last month.
Strong rushed five times for 70 yards and a touchdown and brought in both targets for 20 yards in the Patriots' 27-13 win over the Cardinals on Monday night.
What it means:
A bulk of Strong's production came on a game-long 44-yard run on the Patriots' first possession of the second half, taking the ball to the Cardinals' 12-yard line to set up a Nick Folk 23-yard field goal. Strong then capped off the scoring on the night with a three-yard touchdown rush early in the fourth quarter, his first NFL trip to the end zone. Strong could have a significant role in a favorable Week 15 road battle against the Raiders if either or both Damien Harris (thigh) and Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) are sidelined for that game.
Strong is a candidate to see extra work Thursday against the Bills, Mark Daniels reports.
What it means:
With Harris (thing) unlikely to play Week 13, Strong could find himself as Rhamondre Stevenson's backup against Buffalo. The rookie running back has seen the majority of his work on special teams with just one carry on the year, which came Week 6 against Cleveland for five yards. Fellow rookie, Kevin Harris, could also be an option, but he's only been active one game this season. J.J. Taylor, who is currently on the practice squad, could also see himself elevated to the main roster and be a threat to Strong's ability to move up the team's depth chart for the contest. The situation will be worth monitoring for single-game DFS contests, as whomever were to have the inside track as the No. 2 to Stevenson could certainly be worth a dart throw, if Harris does indeed miss the game.
Strong was on the field for 18 special-teams snaps in Sunday's 26-3 win over the Colts.
What it means:
Though fellow RB Damien Harris (illness) was inactive, Strong didn't log any snaps on offense Sunday, while J.J. Taylor served as Rhamondre Stevenson's top backup in the contest. Strong remains off the fantasy radar for now, having recorded just one carry for five yards through seven games.
