It's still way too early to even consider rookie St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley a viable early-season fantasy option, but the talented youngster did take that first step towards seeing some action next month when the regular season comes calling:
Gurley, the No. 10 overall pick in this year's draft, is in the process of recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season at Georgia. Instead of starting training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, St. Louis made the decision to keep him on the active 90-man roster. That was mainly for him to get some work in on the side during practice. Now that he took part in team drills on Tuesday, it appears that Gurley is inching his way back to live-game action. Though, it's already known that the young running back will not take part in either of the Rams final two preseason games.
Thus far this preseason, second-year running back Tre Mason has received first-team reps. He's put up just 12 yards on five attempts in limited action. It's safe to assume the Rams will bring Gurley along slowly when the regular season comes calling. Though, based off their investment in him, there's no reason to believe the rookie won't see first-team action when the team decides he's a full go. Until then, Gurley will most definitely be on a pitch count.
With an ADP currently in the fifth round, Gurley remains a tricky proposition. We simply have no idea what the Rams are planning as a course of action early in the year. Short of nabbing two running backs with your first four picks, it makes little sene to add Gurley in Round 5. If you do go with that strategy and are set at starting running back when Round 5 comes calling, Gurley could be a tremendous high-upside play.