Patrick

Laird

Laird spent last season with the Buccaneers’ practice squad and has a chance to revert to the practice squad if he clears waivers. The former UDFA is entering his fifth year in the league and has proven reliable on special teams and as added depth in the backfield. In addition to Laird, the Buccaneers also released/waived WR Taye Barber, LB Brandon Bouyer-Randle, DL C.J. Brewer, LS Evan Deckers, T Silas Dzansi, WR Kaylon Geiger, G Luke Haggard, CB Keenan Isaac, WR Cephus Johnson, S Richard LeCounte, WR Ryan Miller, G John Molchon, G Michael Niese, T Raiqwon O’Neal, DL Willington Previlon, OLB Jose Ramirez, OLB Hamilcar Rashed, LB J.J. Russell, OLB Charles Snowden, TE Tanner Taula, S Nolan Turner, WR Kade Warner, CB Rodarius Williams, TE Dominique Dafney, CB Don Gardner, S Kedrick Whitehead, C Chris Murray, CB Anthony Chesley, LB Ulysees Gilbert, RB Patrick Laird, WR David Moore, DL Patrick O’Connor, DL Deadrin Senat and QB John Wolford.

Laird signed with the Bucs after they lost Kenjon Barner to a season-ending injury. He was always a long-shot to make Tampa Bay’s roster given the recent draft picks they have spent on running backs. Laird could land on the Bucs’ practice squad once he clears waivers.

In a corresponding move, they sent RB Kenjon Barner to IR. Laird rushed for 168 yards and a score on 62 carries in Miami in 2019, adding 204 yards on 23 receptions. He’s a passing-downs capable RB who could get some extra work if Gio Bernard is sidelined, but he probably doesn’t have a path to fantasy relevance beyond a major injury rash in Tampa.

A fantasy football folk hero, Laird has three catches and one rushing attempt on the season. His absence won’t affect Myles Gaskin, who has dominated backfield touches for Miami in recent weeks.

Something of a fantasy folk hero following late 2019 fill-in duties, Laird struggled to force his way onto the field last season. Already 26 years old, Laird is headed to free agency as a second-year pro with 108 career touches. He could get another 53-man roster shot, but his ceiling seems to be hard-capped.

Laird saw just one target in three quarters of negative game script against KC. Meanwhile, DeAndre Washington served as the team’s primary back with Myles Gaskin on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Laird would probably need Washington to miss time and Gaskin to remain on the COVID-19 list to have fantasy relevance.

Ahmed’s injury and Myles Gaskin being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list clear the way for DeAndre Washington to operate as Miami’s lead back against his former team. Washington had 13 carries and saw five targets when he served as the team’s primary running back in Week 12 against the Jets. He should be regarded as a mid-range RB2 option against KC. Patrick Laird has some PPR appeal as a flex option, especially if game script turns against Miami.

Breida missed Friday’s practice with an undisclosed illness. We’re not sure if he has COVID-19 or if he was exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus, but he’ll be out for Week 13 either way. Myles Gaskin (knee) could be activated this weekend and take the workhorse role in Miami’s backfield. If Gaskin remains out, the Dolphins would be forced to roll with some mix of pass-catching specialist Patrick Laird and rookie Lynn Bowden, Jr. Both backs should be rostered in 12-team leagues.

Dolphins head coach Brian Flores wouldn’t say if Breida’s illness was COVID-19. He’s uncertain to play in Week 13 against the Bengals. Myles Gaskin (knee), despite practicing over the past two weeks, might not come off injured reserve in time for the team’s Week 13 game. Meanwhile, DeAndre Washington (hamstring) and Salvon Ahmed (shoulder) are out. Miami “will likely lean on Breida -- if he can play -- and Patrick Laird” if Gaskin is out. There’s not a whole lot of fantasy value in Miami’s backfield if Gaskin is inactive though. Rookie Lynn Bowden is a speculative add in deeper leagues ahead of Week 13.

Myles Gaskin (knee) is shaping up as a game time call for the Dolphins, creating a tricky situation for fantasy managers. Gaskin would presumably be the team’s every down back -- or something close to it -- if he’s active with Ahmed out. Otherwise, Matt Breida and Patrick Laird would split the backfield load against New York. Breida would likely get most early down rushing attempts while Laird would serve as Miami’s third down and passing down back. Laird and Breida could be RB3s in PPR formats if Gaskin is sidelined.