Fantasy football researchers expressed a sizable when groan when Adam Schefter's latest tweet went out. New Orleans Saints' running back C.J. Spiller underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Friday and will miss the rest of the preseason. Though Schefter also reported that Spiller should return for the Saints' regular season opener against the Arizona Cardinals.
Spiller has teased the fantasy world for years now, especially after all the promise and potential came together in 2012 with a 1,700-total yard and eight-touchdown season. After Chain Gailey left Buffalo, it became a bad offensive fit for Spiller and his numbers went down. After signing with the Saints as a free agent, everyone was ready for Spiller to return to that 2012 form in Sean Payton's offense under a perfect system for his abilities.
The surgery is a noticeable setback for Spiller, removing him from meaningful practice reps in this offense and opportunities to get in game shape. While there was zero chance the Saints unleashed their plans for how they'd use Spiller during the preseason. But even with his expected return before the regular season kicks off, his return could limit how much he plays early on.
Fantasy Spin
Spiller's currently 67th overall by average draft position, the 266th running back coming off the board. This news will push him down a round, making him more of a seventh-round pick. He may start out of the gates slower than expected this year, but this leads to a teaching point. The most important weeks of the fantasy season aren't Week 1,2 or 3. It's the later weeks where the season is made, going on that run and making the playoffs. Spiller going a round or two later just adds to his value as an excellent RB2 in PPR leagues and a reliable RB2 or excellent FLEX option in standard leagues.