Wes

Hills

Fellow running backs Wes Hills, John Lovett, and Aaron Shampklin also worked out for the Jets. Though any signings from this group will likely be camp bodies and nothing more, a light investment at running back to start camp could be taken as a positive sign on Breece Hall’s recovery. Hall is working his way back from a torn ACL and if the team was worried about his status for Week 1, they would likely add a bigger name to their backfield. They aren’t out of the running for a back like Dalvin Cook, but if Hall makes it through camp without much in the way of competition for touches, he will be locked and loaded for an RB1 season.

Without Jonathan Williams and Hills on the roster, the Lions will open the year with Kerryon Johnson, D’Andre Swift, Ty Johnson, and Bo Scarborough as backfield depth. T.J. Hockenson and Jesse James are the only tight ends available for Week 1.

Roster moves are at a frenzy during the contact period of camp, forcing us to write another blurb on Hills, who was waived from the team no more than 48 hours ago. Rookie DE Jashon Cornell (Achilles) was placed on season-ending IR to create a roster spot.

The team signed former Colts RB Jonathan Williams in a corresponding move. Hills finished second in rushing scores (2) for the Lions last year, stepping in for Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough late into the season. He’ll land elsewhere as a short-yardage grinder in the coming weeks.

Hills led the team in carries, rushing yards, and touchdowns despite just recently being added from the practice squad on Saturday. He’s also now tied with Kerryon Johnson for the team lead in rushing scores this year after punching in two one-yard runs. Hills’ lone highlight was a 15-yard rush that moved the Lions into Bucs territory before David Blough tossed a 70-yard pick-six to crush any hopes of a comeback with 5:23 remaining in the fourth quarter. With Bo Scarbrough expected back next week, Hills can be avoided for Week 16 against the Broncos.

It’s a bad sign for Bo Scarbrough’s (ribs) chances at suiting up Sunday against the Buccaneers. Hills doesn’t have an NFL carry, but he has the size (6-foot-1 and 218-pounds) to potential earn early-down duties ahead of Ty Johnson and J.D. McKissic. None are recommended fantasy options against the Buccaneers’ league-best defense in DVOA against the run. Only the 49ers and Patriots have allowed fewer PPR per game to opposing backfields.