Fantasy Football Player Notes

I'm expecting Saquon Barkley to be out again this week. With Barkley sidelined, Dameon Pierce likely operates as Philly's workhorse back. Last week, in the final two quarters of the game without Will Shipley, Pierce played every snap for Philly with every running back rushing attempt and a 64% route share. He finished the game with 13 touches for only 12 yards. Against the Jags' elite run defense and behind his makeshift offensive line, Pierce saw -0.09 yards before contact per attempt while producing 1.36 yards after contact per attempt and a 6% missed tackle rate. He was hit at or behind the line of scrimmage on 72.7% of his rushing attempts. He should find more running room this week against Carolina's struggling run defense. Pierce isn't a sexy play for Week 6, but he could see enough volume in a plus matchup to produce RB2/flex value. Carolina has allowed the 11th-highest explosive run rate, the eighth-highest rushing success rate, and the second-most yards after contact per attempt.