Maurice Morris

Morris will enter training camp as the No. 2 running back behind rookie Jahvid Best. The situation is a bit unsettled with Kevin Smith still recovering from knee surgery and with Best's status as a rookie. Morris won't likely see any type of feature back duties, but could be in the mix for quite a few carries should Best struggle to get acclimated to the NFL and if Smith's recovery stalls.

Morris was brought in by the Lions brass from Seattle to backup starter Kevin Smith. He won't see many carries with Smith firmly entrenched as the starter. Smith has also shown soft hands, making him an asset on third down, which will further limit Morris' opportunities to see the field. However, Morris makes for a nice handcuff option as he's shown that he's capable of providing a 4-plus YPC over his career. If Smith goes down, Morris won't have much competition for carries in the Detroit backfield.

Morris is in line to take part in a platoon at running back with Julius Jones, although it seems like Jones could get a few more carries per game. While he certainly deserves to be owned in most leagues, Morris would need Jones to get hurt to see consistent production, and even then, it seems likely that T.J. Duckett will steal most of the goal-line carries.

After Shaun Alexander broke his foot, Morris started eight games for Seattle in 2006. He experienced moderate success but that he was removed near the goal line severely limited his ability to score touchdowns. Seattle’s offense isn’t the juggernaut it once was, but Morris remains the second option behind Alexander, who could conceivably break down again this year.

Morris, once a trendy insurance pick for Shaun Alexander, is unreliable as an every down back. Look elsewhere for Alexander insurance.

Every season, fantasy owners stock up on the backups of star running backs, hoping to cash in when the inevitable injuries occur. For the last several seasons, Morris has been one of those coveted backups, but he’s never panned out, thanks to Shaun Alexander’s track record of durability. But this season, the shifty, elusive Morris could get the chance to carry the load if Alexander, who is unhappy with his contract, is traded or released. At 5-11, 202, Morris isn’t as powerful as the larger Alexander, but he’s quicker, and he hits the hole hard.

Keeper alert! Morris has a good chance of starting for Seattle next year if the Seahawks decide Shaun Alexander is too expensive. This year, his owners can spend the season ghouling Alexander.

Morris is a solid back-up to Shawn Alexander who could step in effectively at a moment's notice. But unless Alexander goes down, he won't get many carriers. Morris will return kickoffs, too.