Jordan Howard Injury Update Improves Fantasy Outlook for Miles Sanders and Jay Ajayi in Week 11

After multiple unsuccessful tryouts with NFL teams earlier this season, veteran running back Jay Ajayi has finally latched onto a club, signing with his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, on Friday.

While it was originally uncertain when Ajayi would suit up for the Eagles, a stinger injury suffered by Jordan Howard has opened up an opportunity in the Philadelphia backfield. Now, it is reported Ajayi will indeed by active against the New England Patriots on Sunday, in a rematch of Super Bowl LII.

Eagles’ RB Jordan Howard, listed as questionable for Sunday’s game vs. Patriots with a shoulder injury, is not expected to play, per source.

New Eagles’ RB Jay Ajayi, signed only Friday, is expected to make his 2019 debut Sunday vs. Patriots, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2019

Ajayi has not played a game since Week 5 of the 2018 season, when he went down with the second torn ACL of his football career. Ajayi's extensive injury history is likely the reason it took him this long to sign with a team this season, but the Eagles obviously felt confident enough in his ability to not only sign him, but activate him on short notice for a big Week 11 matchup against the reigning champs.

Ajayi, who rushed nine times for 57 yards against the Pats in Super Bowl LII, will enter a Philly backfield that also features rookie Miles Sanders and second-year man Boston Scott. In addition to Howard sitting this week, Darren Sproles was placed on IR this week with a torn right hip flexor.

Jay Ajayi sounds happy to be back with Eagles @6abc #JayAjayi pic.twitter.com/HUllEeBZel
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) November 15, 2019

At this point, it's hard to determine what role Ajayi will serve against the Pats. Sanders has flashed tremendous potential this season, but the Eagles have been wary about giving him a full workload, opening the door for Ajayi to assume some early down and goal line work against New England.

Still, with no word from the team there's some risk that Ajayi will only be used in an emergency situation this week, due to the depleted state of the Philly backfield. Either way, he is more of a bench stash than a start this week in fantasy football, especially given the tough matchup against a Patriots' defense giving up the fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Join FanDuel Sportsbook Today. New users get a risk-free bet up to $500. Join Now.