News:Deji Karim has agreed to a deal with the Texans. He has previously played with two division rivals in the Jags and the Colts.
Analysis: Over three seasons (26 games) Karim has yet to score a touchdown. That's likely to continue with Arian Foster and Ben Tate ahead of him on the depth chart. Tell your friends to draft him (but don't expect them to listen).
News: Colts running back Deji Karim had a big game on special teams Sunday in the Week 17 regular-season finale against Houston. Karim returned a kickoff in the third quarter 101 yards for a touchdown to put the Colts ahead for good in the game. Karim returned three kicks for 159 yards in the contest.
Analysis: Karim rushed for 130 yards this season on 63 carries for the Colts. He also caught 14 passes for 120 yards. Otherwise, Karim was mostly used on special teams and had low-end Fantasy value. He should not be considered a Fantasy option for the playoffs or heading into next year.
News: The Colts signed running back Deji Karim Tuesday.
Analysis: The Colts need running back depth because of all the injuries they have sustained at running back. There is a chance Karim has to take some reps Week 15 at Houston, but he is not a recommended Fantasy option. Vick Ballard would still do most of the work out of the Colts' backfield.
News: The Colts claimed running back Deji Karim off waivers from the Jaguars. Karim was cut on April 27.
Analysis: Given an opportunity to work as a backup to Maurice Jones-Drew last year, Karim had just 130 yards on 63 carries. He might land a roster spot on the Colts this summer but he isn't expected to be a relevant Fantasy figure. Leave him off rosters.
News: Jacksonville RB Deji Karim is inactive again for Week 14 against Tampa Bay. It's the second consecutive game Karim has been a healthy scratch as his production has been limited this season.
Analysis: Karim has rushed for just six yards on 15 attempts over his past three games as Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew has dominated carries out of the backfield this season. Fantasy owners should continue to ignore him in all formats for the remainder of the year.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim was listed among the inactives for Week 13 against the Chargers. He has rushed for just 6 yards on 15 carries over the last three games.
Analysis: Karim has not been doing much for the Jaguars of late and it looks as though he could be dropping on the depth chart. Keep an eye on the situation going forward but considering his current role, continue to ignore him in the majority of Fantasy leagues.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim enters Week 13 against the Chargers averaging just 2 yards per carry on his 61 rushes this season. Over his last three games, he has gained just 6 yards on 15 carries. San Diego ranks 25th in the league in run defense, giving up nearly 132 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 15.6 Fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Analysis: Karim continues to see minimal carries behind Maurice Jones-Drew in Jacksonville and has not rushed for more than 33 yards in a game this season. While he is averaging 8.6 yards per reception, his production will continue to be minimal as long as Jones-Drew is healthy. That being the case, continue to ignore Karim in the majority of Fantasy leagues for Week 13.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim was unproductive Sunday against Houston in Week 12. Karim had two carries for minus-2 yards and caught two passes for no yards on three targets.
Analysis: Karim is the No. 2 RB for the Jaguars behind Maurice Jones-Drew and has minimal Fantasy value. Ignore him in all leagues in Week 13 against San Diego.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim couldn't do much on the ground Week 11 at Cleveland. Facing one of the league's worst run defenses, Karim rushed for 1 yard on four carries. Cleveland came into the game allowing 142.8 yards per game on the ground, which was 30th in the NFL.
Analysis: Karim opened the year with 14 carries and 33 yards against the Titans, and it appeared as though he would be a regular on offense as Jacksonville wanted to reduce starter Maurice Jones-Drew's touches. However, he hasn't come close to those totals over the last nine games. Karim remains just a handcuff option for MJD owners heading into Week 12 vs. Houston.
News: Against a Colts defense that entered the game ranked 31st against the run, Jaguars backup RB Deji Karim got nine carries Week 10 at Indianapolis, his most since getting 14 in Week 1. Unfortunately, he netted only 7 yards on those nine carries. He also caught three passes for 25 yards.
Analysis: Karim is strictly a backup to Maurice Jones-Drew, and as strictly a backup, he typically gets no more than a handful of carries each game. He's worth owning as a handcuff option in Fantasy, but performances like this one seem to indicate that he wouldn't be a particularly good Fantasy option even if something happened to Jones-Drew. The Jaguars visit the Browns in Week 11.
News: Against the Colts' 31st-ranked run defense on the road in Week 10, the Jaguars figure to lean on their running game even more than usual. That could mean extra carries for Deji Karim, who spells Maurice Jones-Drew in the backfield from time to time. If the numbers have anything to say about it, Karim should be able to make the most of his opportunities. The Colts allow 146.1 rushing yards per game. They also allow 23.2 Fantasy points per game to running backs, second-most in the NFL.
Analysis: Karim's season high for rushing yards is only 33, and that came in Week 1, when he got 14 carries against the Titans. He hasn't gotten more than seven carries in a game since. If he's ever going to step up and make a Fantasy contribution in a reserve role, Week 10 would be the time, but it's too much of a long shot for you to start him in most Fantasy leagues. He remains more of a handcuff option than anything else.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim had a quiet game Sunday at Houston in Week 8. Karim had three carries for 7 yards but did not record a catch on one target.
Analysis: Karim is the No. 2 RB for the Jaguars behind Maurice Jones-Drew and has minimal Fantasy value as long as MJD is healthy. Stash Karim on your bench in deeper leagues, but he should not be used in Week 10 at the Colts following the Jaguars bye in Week 9.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim was not much of a factor in Week 7 against the Ravens. Karim finished with 28 yards on seven carries in the 12-7 victory, but was unable to find the end zone. His longest run of the night went for 9 yards and he did not catch a pass for the second straight game.
Analysis: Karim was once again not much of a factor on Monday night, as he continues to play second fiddle to Maurice Jones-Drew. While he normally spells MJD for a few carries each game, his touches remain limited, which in turn limits his Fantasy value. Until he starts to play a larger role in the Jaguars' offense, he should only be considered a handcuff option to Jones-Drew. Continue to view him as such heading into Week 8 against the Texans.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim will be going up against a tough run defense when he takes on the Ravens in Week 7. Baltimore ranks third in the league against the run, giving up just under 77 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 9.4 Fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Analysis: Karim has not had much production since posting 72 total yards in the season opener as he continues to take a backseat to Maurice Jones-Drew in Jacksonville. The Jaguars will likely pound the rock with the two running backs on Monday so keep an eye on how he does. Karim could also see more carries if the Jaguars fall behind big, which is a distinct possibility. But until his role on offense improves, continue to view Karim as more of a No. 4 Fantasy RB or flex option for Week 7.
News: Jacksonville RB Deji Karim registered five carries for 21 yards during the Jaguars' 17-13 loss to Pittsburgh in Week 6 on Sunday. Karim averaged 4.2 yards per attempt as he collected his most carries since Week 3. He was also held without a catch for the second time this year.
Analysis: While Karim couldn't generate much on offense, he shined on special teams and netted 87 yards on three kickoff returns for an average of 29.0 yards per attempt. Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew finished with nearly 20 more carries than Karim (22) as Jacksonville also utilized MJD more in the passing game. Consider Karim a handcuff to Jones-Drew at this point.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim enters Week 6 against the Steelers having carried the ball 31 times so far this season, while averaging just 2 yards per carry. Pittsburgh ranks 16th in the league against the run, giving up nearly 109 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 18 Fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Analysis: Karim is just four carries away from matching the total from his rookie campaign but he continues to see minimal work behind Maurice Jones-Drew in Jacksonville. He could see some more touches against a tough Steelers defense in Week 6, though, so keep an eye on how he does. Consider Karim as more of a low-end No. 4 Fantasy RB or flex option on Sunday. He remains a solid handcuff option to Jones-Drew, however.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim made three catches, generating 27 yards, in a 30-20 loss to the Bengals in Week 5. Karim also ran the ball twice for a total of four yards. Most of Karim's production came on a 20-yard pass play in the first quarter. Karim's carries have decreased in each game since Week 1, when he got 14 touches for 33 rushing yards.
Analysis: Karim may rack up some modest yardage in the passing game, but his presence as a rusher is all but non-existent. Barring an injury to Maurice Jones-Drew, owners can ignore Karim in virtually all formats.
News: Since racking up 72 all-purpose yards in Week 1 against the Titans, Jaguars RB Deji Karim has had few opportunities to produce. Over the last three weeks, he has a combined total of 54 all-purpose yards on 15 carries and three receptions. With a Week 5 matchup against the Bengals, who possess the third-best pass defense and the seventh-best rushing defense in the league, Karim could have a difficult time yet again.
Analysis: Karim is not sufficiently involved in the Jacksonville offense to have much Fantasy value in any format. At this point, his only value comes from being a handcuff option for Maurice Jones-Drew.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim was limited to just four carries in Week 4 against the Saints. He totaled 6 yards.
Analysis: On an afternoon where starter Maurice Jones-Drew ran the ball just 11 times, there was little work for Karim. He has totaled just 15 carries in the last three games and remains merely a handcuff option for Jones-Drew owners for now.
News: In Week 4, Deji Karim and the Jaguars will be hosting the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have allowed the ninth fewest rushing yards in the NFL through the first three weeks of the season, giving up an average of 90.7 yards per game. They have allowed two touchdowns.
Analysis: Barring unforeseen circumstances, Karim should continue to see limited playing time in Week 4 behind starter Maurice Jones-Drew. While he did get 14 carries in Week 1 against the Titans, he has seen no more than six carries in the last two weeks. He has shown interesting big play ability, but remains merely a player to stash in keeper formats and seasonal leagues as MJD insurance for now.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim again played a backup role to Maurice Jones-Drew at Carolina in Week 4, giving the star running back a few plays off here and there. Karim finished with five carries for 4 yards and two catches for 19.
Analysis: Jones-Drew appears to be over his knee issues of a year ago and seems plenty capable of carrying close to a full load for the Jaguars, so you shouldn't expect Karim to make much of a Fantasy impact on a week-to-week basis. He's worth owning as a handcuff option in case Jones-Drew gets hurt, but you wouldn't want to start him against the Saints in Week 4.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim, who has gotten 20 carries over the team's first two games, could get a handful more Week 3 at Carolina. With rookie QB Blaine Gabbert making his first NFL start, the Jaguars could lean on their running game even more than usual, especially since the Panthers rank 19th against the run this season, allowing 111.5 yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry.
Analysis: Karim is the clear backup to Jones-Drew, but given Jones-Drew's history of knee problems -- not to mention the fact he's the focus of a run-first offense -- Karim figures to get a few carries every week, particularly when the game is getting out of hand. While Karim figures to have more success against the Panthers defense than he has against the Titans and Jets defenses, he still likely won't get enough touches to make an impact in Fantasy. He's a handcuff option for Jones-Drew owners, but little more.
News: Jacksonville RB Deji Karim netted a combined 25 yards in the Jaguars' 32-3 loss to the Jets in Week 2 on Sunday. Karim ran for 15 yards, including just eight in the second half, on six carries and caught one pass for 15 yards. The reception came on Karim's lone target of the game. However, Karim did shine on special teams and racked up 91 yards on five kick returns during the game.
Analysis: Karim seemed to take a step backward after his quality performance in Week 1. The speedy 24-year-old paced the Jaguars' running backs in receptions (three) during the season-opener, but Maurice Jones-Drew was the leading receiver out of the backfield against New York. He also received 12 fewer carries than Jones-Drew, a trend that will continue as he builds strength. For now, consider Karim a mere handcuff for MJD.
News: After handling 14 carries in Week 1, Jacksonville RB Deji Karim has proved he can be a capable backup to star RB Maurice Jones-Drew. Karim, who is in his second season out of Southern Illinois, collected 33 yards on his attempts, which were 10 less than Jones-Drew's amount (24). But his highest value came in the passing game when he garnered three receptions for 39 yards, including a long of 18 yards.
Analysis: The Jaguars still intend to provide Karim ample opportunity in the backfield during Week 2 against the Jets as they want to keep Jones-Drew fresh following offseason knee surgery. However, Karim could become a bigger receiving threat after he tallied three targets last Sunday while Jones-Drew had none. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on Karim's performance Sunday as he could warrant more ownership than just a handcuff for MJD.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim, even with Maurice Jones-Drew healthy, had a solid impact Week 1 against the Titans. He spelled the Pro Bowler early and often, notching 33 yards on 14 carries. Karim may have been better as a pass-catcher, hauling in three passes for 39 yards including an 18-yard catch-and-run. He finished with 17 touches for 72 yards.
Analysis: Karim was a hot Fantasy commodity the minute Rashad Jennings went down with an injury, but we didn't expect him to get the ball 17 times with Jones-Drew healthy. Perhaps the team is easing the starter back into the mix after offseason knee surgery, but the situation should be monitored closely. Karim is not a recommended play just yet, but he may be worth picking up for more than his handcuff status with Jones-Drew. Stay tuned.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim is now the backup to Maurice-Jones Drew, and Fantasy owners in CBSSports.com leagues have taken notice. He is the most added RB in all leagues, jumping from eight percent ownership to 32 percent owned heading into the Week 1matchup against the Titans. Jones-Drew is healthy, so Karim will be involved as the change-of-pace back.
Analysis: Karim notched 160 yards on 35 carries (4.6 avg.) as a rookie last season, but that was as the No. 3 RB behind Jones-Drew and Rashad Jennings (on IR). He is expected to do much more damage in 2011, thoguh his amount of touches is still to be determined. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the pecking order on Sunday, but Karim is not a recommended play for now. The Titans were a middle-of-the-pack defense against RBs last season, giving up 18.12 Fantasy points per game to the position.
News: The Florida Times-Union reports that backup RB Rashad Jennings will be placed on injured reserve with the knee injury suffered in a preseason game against the Bills. That means RB Deji Karim will fill in as the No. 2 rusher on the depth chart behind starter Maurice Jones-Drew. Karim had 160 yards on 35 carries (4.6 avg.) as a rookie last season.
Analysis: Karim is worth stashing off waivers ASAP as a handcuff for Maurice Jones-Drew. And let's face it -- if you're a Fantasy owner who didn't want MJD because you feared he'd get hurt, then backing up your feelings with Karim on your roster could turn out to be a wise choice. Obviously if you're still drafting, Karim is now worth a late-round pick.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim played well in Thursday night's final preseason game against the Rams, and he could see an increased role as the No. 2 RB behind Maurice Jones-Drew if Rashad Jennings (knee) is out for a lengthy period of time. Karim had eight carries for 58 yards against St. Louis.
Analysis: Karim is someone to put on your radar on Draft Day since Jennings could be out to start the season. Even though Jones-Drew made his preseason debut against the Rams after missing time with a knee injury, he still need a handcuff option, and that job could now belong to Karim. In deep leagues plan on taking a flier on Karim just in case he opens the season as the No. 2 RB for the Jaguars this year.
News: Jaguars third-team RB Deji Karim returned to practice Thursday after leaving last Friday’s preseason game against the Falcons with a head injury. His status for Saturday's game against Buffalo is uncertain.
Analysis: Karim has been beaten up in his short time in the pros -- he suffered a major thumb injury last season. He's buried on the Jags' depth chart and isn't someone worth considering in Fantasy play in the first place.
News: Jaguars running back Deji Karim sustained a concussion in the first half vs. Atlanta and didn't return.
Analysis: Karim has been beaten up in his short time in the pros -- he suffered a major thumb injury last season. He's buried on the Jags' depth chart and isn't someone worth considering in Fantasy play in the first place.
News: KR/RB Deji Karim has undergone successful surgery to repair a ruptured ligament in his right thumb, according to the team.
Analysis: Karim is expected to continue backing up Maurice Jones-Drew in Jacksonville and isn't likely to put up big stats. Leave him off of Fantasy rosters when you draft this summer.
News: Jaguars rookie RB Deji Karim was fairly productive in week 17 against the Texans. With Maurice Jones-Drew out with a knee injury, Karim saw some extended playing time in Sunday's season finale and finished with 52 yards rushing on seven carries. He averaged 7.4 yards per carry and had a long of 12 yards in the 34-17 win.
Analysis: Karim is a rookie out of Southern Illinois, who the Jaguars are very high on. However, he hasn't seen much of the field this season playing behind Jones-Drew and Rashad Jennings. While the 24-year-old has shown flashes of his potential this season, he will likely have minimal Fantasy value heading into the 2011 season.
News: Jaguars KR/WR Deji Karim may be in coach Jack Del Rio's doghouse. The rookie was a "healthy scratch'' against Cleveland in Week 11. Del Rio was asked if he'll be back this week. “Possibly,” was the one-word answer. Jacksonville travels to New York to face the Giants in Week 12.
Analysis: Karim has become an afterthought on the offense as starting RB Maurice Jones-Drew continues to stay healthy and play well. Karim has not touched the ball since the Week 8 win over Dallas; when he carried the ball four times for three yards. Unless something happens to Jones-Drew, continue to ignore Karim in Fantasy play.
News: Jaguars RB Rashad Jennings was not inactive for Week 8 in Dallas but he did not touch the football in the game. Deji Karim remained the No. 2 back behind Maurice Jones-Drew and he carried the ball four times for 3 yards.
Analysis: Karim may be the No. 2 running back but it doesn't look like the Jaguars are going to hand the ball off to anyone by Jones-Drew. Fantasy owners can ignore Karim in all leagues. The Jaguars have a bye in Week 9 anyway.
News: Jaguars rookie RB Deji Karim has been serving as the No. 2 RB behind Maurice Jones-Drew in recent weeks with Rashad Jennings dealing with injuries. For the Week 8 game against Dallas, Jennings is not on the injury report.
Analysis: Jennings said his shoulder is healing, so you have to wonder what the pecking order will be on Sunday. However, Karim has been a decent receiver out of the backfield so he could still be used in the passing game if he losses carries to Jennings in the running game. Still, the Jags are all about MJD on offense, so Karim and Jennings are risky Fantasy plays in Week 8 against the 13th-ranked Cowboys run defense.
News: Jaguars rookie RB Deji Karim again was the No. 2 RB behind Maurice Jones-Drew on Sunday in Week 7 at Kansas City with Rashad Jennings inactive. Karim had five carries for 29 yards and one catch for 1 yard.
Analysis: Karim remains a good insurance policy for Fantasy owners with Jones-Drew, but he's not worth starting in the majority of leagues as long as Jones-Drew is healthy. Heading into Week 8 at Dallas, consider Karim a low-end No. 4 Fantasy RB.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim saw a few snaps on offense for the second straight game in Week 6 against the Titans. Karim ran for 3 yards on three carries with a long of 2 yards. He also caught two passes for 9 yards and returned seven kickoffs for a combined 168 yards (24 yards per return) with a long of 34 yards in the 30-3 loss.
Analysis: While Karim didn't put up gaudy stats during Monday night's game, the fact that he saw some snaps on offensive for the second straight game is an encouraging sign for Fantasy owners. He has seemed to move ahead of Rashad Jennings on the depth chart and could start to see an increase in playing time moving forward. Still, he won't get many looks as Maurice Jones-Drew's backup and shouldn't be starting in any format just quite yet. However, he could be a useful handcuff option if Jones-Drew goes down with another injury.
News: Jaguars RB Deji Karim saw his first offensive touches of the season in Week 5 at Buffalo, getting to play as Maurice Jones-Drew's primary backup. He rushed 15 times for 70 yards including several carries in the second half when Jones-Drew had to leave the game after spraining his wrist. Jones-Drew did return to the game, however.
Analysis: Karim, usually just a kick returner, got a chance to play due to the fact that Rashad Jennings was out due to injury. However, this performance may buy him a chance to see more opportunities down the line. As long as Jones-Drew remains healthy, we wouldn't recommend activating the unproven Karim in any format.
News: Jaguars RB Rashad Jennings (shoulder) is listed as doubtful for Week 5 at Buffalo. He was limited in practice all week. If Jennings is unavailable, then Deji Karim will back up Maurice Jones-Drew.
Analysis: Karim has been inactive for the Jags' first four games. If he is finally activated for Week 5, he likely won't make much of an impact. Jones-Drew is still the featured back and Karim might only get a few touches. Ignore him in Fantasy until further notice.
News: Jaguars rookie RB Deji Karim will miss the rest of the preseason after undergoing surgery on his left thumb Tuesday.
Analysis: It looked like Karim had a shot at making the Jags roster as the third RB behind Maurice Jones-Drew and Rashad Jennings, but that spot might be in jeopardy now. Continue to ignore Karim in all Fantasy formats.
News: Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio said RB Maurice Jones-Drew "can't be a one-man team." Del Rio expects Rashad Jennings and rookie Deji Karim to be able to spell Jones-Drew as needed.
Analysis: Since Jones-Drew has been a one-man show in Jacksonville for years, the Jaguars haven't really built up solid running back depth behind him. That's why the rookie Karim appears in line to be the Jaguars' third running back when the season opens. Clearly, that doesn't appeal to many Fantasy owners since his touches will be scarce. Ignore Karim in Fantasy leagues.
