How To Replace Gus Edwards In Fantasy: Le’Veon Bell A Must-Add, Ravens Sign Devonta Freeman

The Ravens have signed free agent running back Devonta Freeman after Gus Edwards suffered a torn ACL in practice on Thursday.

The news come just over a week after starting running back J.K. Dobbins also suffered a torn ACL.

The Action Network's Samantha Previte doesn't recommend that you pick up Freeman, though, unless you're in an incredibly deep league.

Samantha Previte's Analysis on Devonta Freeman

Freeman is best known for his time with the Falcons, for whom he tallied two 1,000-rushing yard seasons in 2015 and 2016 and earned Pro Bowl honors twice. He was also the rushing touchdowns leader in 2015.

Freeman served as a backup to Saquon Barkley in 2020 and tallied 54 rushes for 172 yards and a touchdown over five appearances. Most recently, he spent time on the Bills' and Saints' practice squads and unsuccessfully worked out for the Ravens. Considering he was previously passed on by all three teams, I'm not jumping to add Freeman anywhere as a major impact player, except maybe in the deepest of leagues.

4:25 p.m. ET Update on Gus Edwards' Torn ACL

The Baltimore Ravens running back room seemingly changes by the week, and the latest news regarding Gus Edwards is the latest blow to fantasy managers ahead of Week 1.

Edwards suffered what is feared to be a torn ACL at practice Thursday, according to multiple reports including NFL Network. He's the latest to go down, following starting running back J.K. Dobbins' season-ending injury on Aug. 28.

Most fantasy leagues have drafted already, so it's off to the waiver wire or trade market to replace Edwards, who was ranked RB22 by The Action Network fantasy experts.

They break down where managers should pivot, should Edwards indeed be lost for the season.

Sean Koerner's Analysis on Ty'Son Williams, Le'Veon Bell

People need to RUN to the waiver wire to make sure Ty'Son Williams or Le'Veon Bell aren't available. Both should be treated as RB3/Flex values right now. Either one could have RB2 value if one were to emerge and the Ravens don't bring in another RB. Either way, this is urgent.

The coaching staff loves Ty'Son, so he would be the preferred add.

Latavius Murray is a good speculative add (if he was dropped in your league). He seems like a candidate to get added and is worth a flier.

Samantha Previte's Analysis

This injury elevates the statuses of Ty’Son Williams and Le’Veon Bell. Williams, 25, was a 2020 undrafted free agent from BYU and spent most of his rookie campaign on the practice squad. 

Bell, 29, could be serviceable in the Ravens’ run-first offense. He was recently signed to the team’s practice squad after spending the 2020 season with the Jets and Chiefs. He tallied 63 attempts for 254 yards and two touchdowns in nine games for Kansas City backing up Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Bell and Williams would be the names to add at 25% and 37% rostered, respectively. Next up on the depth chart is Trenton Cannon, a former sixth-round pick from Virginia State. The team also worked out former Giants running back Devonta Freeman to fill Justice Hill’s spot. Freeman could be an interesting add if the Ravens sign another running back. 

Latavius Murray could also be an interesting veteran name to keep an eye on. Murray, 31, was released by the Saints earlier in the week over salary disputes. He is coming off of a strong season in which he posted 146 attempts for 656 yards and four touchdowns and caught 23 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown over 15 games behind Alvin Kamara.