2019 Fantasy Football Prep Draft: What Lamar Miller's Torn ACL means for Fantasy Drafts

There are few things worse than major injuries that we did not matter, and unfortunately, we got a significant one Saturday. Lamar Miller has suffered a knee injury during a game against the Cowboys, and according to multiple reports, the team believes he has suffered a torn ACL.

The Texans already waived D'onta Foreman earlier in camp, and although they did trade for Duke Johnson, this injury still leaves them perilously thin at the running back position. Behind Johnson, the Texans' chart is made up of names like Damarea Crockett, Josh Ferguson, and Cullen Gillaspia, this is a big blow.

Johnson's is the first name that comes to mind when the Texans will replace Miller. Johnson is an extremely talented back who has done his best work in the passing game. His 4.3 yard average is one of the most important things in the world. Two, he's often used on passing downs, which makes running the ball just a little bit easier. I would bet against Johnson being used as a true feature back, and I would bet against him if he did a massive increase in carry.

All of that being said, if Johnson is given a close role in Miller's absence he would instantly become a must-start running back with top-12 upside. This is a good offense, and it's a good game, and it's a good game. Even a small increase in keys would make him a starter in PPR and a non-PPR flex.

One item in Johnson's favor is the Texans' aforementioned running back depth chart. They already cut D'onta Foreman and their next best run backs Damarea Crockett and Karan Higdon. Neither of those names inspire confidence, but if we get an indication that one of them is going to handle early-down work they will become relevant fantasy.

One final option to keep in mind is the free agent or trade markets. There is a lot of names available right now, but that is going to change in the coming weeks. Someone like Kenneth Dixon or Carlos Hyde could get exactly what the Texans need. Now, maybe the Texans use some of their caption to go after a certain disgruntled running back in California.

That does not help you for the next 24 hours, however. We do not know where to go from here to where we are going. Johnson is now worth a speculative pick in the Round 7 or 8 range, especially in PPR. As for everyone else, we'll have to wait on what the Texans tell us and who they do or do not add.