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Fantasy Football Draft Tips - Detroit Lions Starting RB

Grand Rapids Press has an interesting article up about what the Detroit Lions will do with RB Kevin Jones.  He is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, and the team must decide by Saturday (September 1st) whether to keep him there or not.  If the team does keep him on the PUP, then he cannot play for the first six weeks of the season.

Here's the crux of the debate concerning Jones: Even the most optimistic scenario has Jones missing one or two games to start the season. The coaches believe, though, that having Jones available for those two or three -- or maybe even four -- extra games could make the difference in the Lions' quest to make the playoffs.

For fantasy teams drafting before that decision, both Jones and Tatum Bell are amongst the last RBs to be taken.  (80th and 68th, respectively, in standard leagues and nearly the same in PPRs - 76th and 68th.  Courtesy - Mock Draft Central.)  The PPR data is very surprising given that Jones caught 61 passes last season, and the same offensive system is in place.  I would have no problem selecting him in the 2nd round if not for the injury.

Listening to Rotowire's Fantasy Sports Hour with Chris Liss provided the type of information fantasy drafters need.  The guest was Mike Salfino of RotoAction, and he relayed a tip he received from a source at the GRP that Kevin Jones will begin on the PUP.  This would make Tatum Bell the starter and a very good value pick in any draft that is unaware of this news.