Deji

Karim

Karim played much of the second half as the Jags kept an unhappy Maurice Jones-Drew on a “pitch count.” Karim averaged just 2.35 YPC, but did catch three passes for 39 yards. “He’s got some of that explosiveness, some of that vision and balance where he can do some of those things, and so it was great to see,” Del Rio said. Karim still certainly can’t be counted on for 17 touches per game. We wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up as his season high.

Jones-Drew’s knees are obviously just fine for now. He was the best player on the field all day, running through puddles to rip off huge chunks virtually every time he touched the ball. MJD’s 307 rushing yards through three games mark the best start to his career. He won’t find as many running lanes against the Saints next week, but is still a RB1. Deji Karim got just seven touches today.

The Eagles also put in a claim on Karim. The 180th overall pick in the 2010 draft, Karim runs well in a straight line but showed poor instincts in Jacksonville and lacks tackle-breaking ability. The 25-year-old currently holds a career yards-per-carry average of 2.96.

Karim boasts impressive measurables, but he fell out of favor down the stretch last season after averaging just 2.1 yards on 63 carries as Maurice Jones-Drew’s backup. He could draw interest as a kickoff-return candidate.

Curious owners should know that nobody stepped up for Karim on Monday. Owens is a fullback and special teams ace, and Maurice Jones-Drew will likely take 95 percent of the carries if Karim continues to be held out.

Karim is averaging 2.03 yards per carry on the season and has one run for double-digit yards on 61 attempts, so his benching is probably overdue. Behind Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jaguars are moving forward with practice squad back DuJuan Harris, Montell Owens, Brock Bolen, and Greg Jones as secondary ball-carrying options. They really could’ve used some Rashad Jennings this year.

It’s the second straight week Karim has been a healthy scratch. DuJuan Harris will be Maurice Jones-Drew’s backup against the Bucs. Lowery’s absence means the Jaguars will be without four of their top five defensive backs Sunday.

Karim wasn’t tendered an offer as a restricted free agent by the Colts. He has an uphill battle to claim a roster spot in Houston, as he’s competing with top undrafted rookie running backs Cierre Wood, Dennis Johnson, George Winn, and Ray Graham. Karim has averaged 3.0 YPC on 98 career totes.

The Jaguars made a concerted effort to limit Maurice Jones-Drew’s touches by using Karim for long stretches, and having the lead all game certainly didn’t hurt. Karim is still very raw as a runner, however, and he needs to hit the haul with more authority as well as run with more balance. He’s not going to keep this large of a role unless he’s more productive per-touch.

He added one reception for 10 yards. The Jaguars made an effort to limit Maurice Jones-Drew’s touches in Week 1, but a majority of Karim’s Week 2 carries came with the game already out of hand. He needs to be owned as MJD’s handcuff in all formats, but don’t expect much in terms of fantasy production as long as Jones-Drew remains healthy.