Branden Oliver Fantasy Stats

The Indianapolis Colts are expected to release running back Branden Oliver on Saturday, according to Stephen Holder of The Athletic. Oliver was a depth signing after injuries hobbled the Colts backfield, but his release shows to some degree that the team is confident that their current rotation will be acceptably healthy when the regular season starts. Christine Michael, Jordan Wilkins, and Nyheim Hines look to comprise that group unless Marlon Mack rebounds quickly from his hamstring issue.

Indianapolis Colts running back Branden Oliver was looked at by trainers after going through early drills at training camp on Monday. Oliver tore his right Achilles tendon in the 2016 season, but it is unclear whether the injury he suffered in camp is connected. In total, Oliver has missed 34 games across four NFL seasons, meaning he may not be around long enough to offer the depth the Colts need. Fantasy owners shouldn't pay much attention to Oliver regardless, as he will have to compete with the crowded running back room in Indianapolis for carries and offers a virtually non-existent floor.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Branden Oliver will get the start if Melvin Gordon (ankle) is unable to play Week 17 against the Raiders, head coach Anthony Lynn confirms. "I feel comfortable in a sense that he's done it before," Lynn said of Oliver starting. "And so if we have to do it again, he'll do it again." The Chargers are still holding out hope Gordon will be able to play, and the running back has expressed optimism about his status. Still, Gordon is at best questionable, making Oliver a must-add in leagues with Week 17 championships.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Branden Oliver is expected to be the backup to Melvin Gordon in Week 16 against the Jets, with Austin Ekeler (hand) being limited to special teams, according to ESPN Los Angeles' Eric D. Williams. This is to be expected after Ekeler was initially believed to be done for the rest of the year after breaking his hand in Week 15. Neither Ekeler nor Oliver are fantasy relevant on championship weekend.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Dontrelle Inman and running back Branden Oliver (hamstring) are inactive for Week 7 against the Broncos. Inman is a healthy scratch, signaling that he's falling even further now that rookie Mike Williams is healthy. Inman isn't on the fantasy radar. Oliver appeared to be ready to return this weekend, but instead he'll miss his second straight week. Austin Ekeler will continue to pick up scraps behind lead dog Melvin Gordon.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Branden Oliver (hamstring) practiced in full for the second straight day Thursday. After sitting out in Week 7, it looks as though Oliver is ready to return. He'll continue fighting for scraps behind lead dog Melvin Gordon, making him useless for fantasy. Oliver is strictly a handcuff option for Gordon owners in the deepest of leagues.

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Mike Williams (back) and running back Branden Oliver (hamstring) are both listed as questionable for Week 6 against the Raiders. Williams has been limited in practice the last two weeks and is expected to make his NFL debut this weekend, although he's not likely to have much of a role in the passing game. Keep him stashed in deep and dynasty leagues. Oliver has been Melvin Gordon's backup but might continue to cede more work to Austin Ekeler if he returns to action.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (back) and running back Branden Oliver (hamstring) have both been ruled out for Week 5 against the Giants. Williams is trending in the right direction and could make his NFL debut in Week 6, although he's unlikely to have much of a role in the passing game. He's not on the redraft radar. Oliver, Melvin Gordon's main backup, will miss this game, meaning Austin Ekeler will spell Gordon in New York.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Branden Oliver (hamstring) is out of practice again Friday, which is bad news for his availability in Week 5 against the Giants. Oliver is the backup to Melvin Gordon anyway, so he doesn't have standalone value in fantasy leagues. But it's looking like Austin Ekeler may serve as Gordon's change-of-pace back against the G-Men on the road.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Branden Oliver (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. Despite the fact that Melvin Gordon (knee) was limited in Week 4, Oliver ran the ball just twice for one yard and had one catch for two yards against the Eagles. He's strictly a handcuff for Gordon owners in deeper leagues, and Austin Ekeler could pass him on the depth chart soon.