Kenjon Barner (RB, NE) - Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Here's where we are with the Patriots' backfield. Barner, who was signed after Week 3 of the season for depth purposes, is now in line to see a lot of touches unless the Pats pull off a trade.The 29-year-old. Barner entered the league in 2013, has played in 47 games, and has accumulated 380 yards on the ground. 310 of those were generated during Barner’s three-year tenure with the Eagles, but neither Barner’s opportunities or his output have been sizable.

However, the knee injury that has been incurred by Sony Michel should launch Barner securely into the fantasy radar. Michel is expected to miss time, so the Patriot backfield options would be reduced to James White and Barner, which would place him in position to accumulate carries – providing that New England does not add another back.

Once the severity of Michel’s knee issue is revealed, then it can be determined whether Barner will ascend into a tangible long-term role.  But the potential for that to occur provides the rationale for adding him to your roster.