Fantasy football players everywhere were devastated when Green Bay Packers’ running back Eddie Lacy was lost for the season. Lacy suffered an ankle injury that ultimately needed surgery, and the Packers struggled for several weeks to find Lacy’s replacement.
Wide receiver Ty Montgomery Fantasy stepped up and filled the void through the end of the season for Green Bay. Montgomery is likely to become a full time running back in 2017, per Around the NFL writer Conor Orr.
Packers LT says Montgomery is a natural and trusts the GB personnel department on RB position, but would obviously love Lacy back https://t.co/MgNVPbLffm
– Conor Orr (@ConorOrr) January 27, 2017
Montgomery played exceptionally well when he received hand-offs from quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The former Stanford University receiver averaged 5.9 yards per carry while still fulfilling duties as a pass catcher. His best performance came against the division rival Chicago Bears, who allowed the 24 year-old to run for 162 yards and two touchdowns.
Montgomery paid dividends to the few that started him in daily fantasy leagues that week; he finished with 28 standard fantasy points.
Speculation out of Green Bay suggests 2016 was Lacy’s last season with the team. This past year was his contract campaign and he was unable to deliver.
Unfortunately for Lacy, running backs generally get paid once throughout their entire career. They have from the day they are drafted until their rookie deal expires to earn themselves a respectable pay day. Lacy is likely to ask for more money than he is worth to the Packers.
The fact Green Bay had one of the most impressive offensive lines in football last season will play a factor. Per Pro Football Focus, the Packers had the fifth highest graded offensive line in the NFL in 2016. Five of those top six highest graded blocking schemes produced a top 12 fantasy football running back; Green Bay was the exception.
Montgomery is expected to change his jersey number from 88 to one more suitable for a professional running back in the offseason.
The former wideout has potential to be one of the most productive PPR tailback in fantasy football as Green Bay’s workhorse.
