Xavier Jones making positive strides in training camp

Sean McVay says he’s “really been encouraged” by Xavier Jones in training camp so far.

Fantasy Impact: With Cam Akers out for the season, Darrell Henderson Jr. is primed to lead the Los Angeles backfield. However, the No. 2 role is up in the air, but it is presumed Jones has the upper hand for that spot. As an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft, Jones has the benefit of having been in the McVay offense for a year and should be familiar with the schemes and what his responsibilities are. He finished his college career at SMU with 48 total touchdowns, displaying a knack for the end zone. His best collegiate season was during his red-shirt senior year when he racked up 1,276 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. He wrapped up his college career with a 5.2 yard per carry average. Henderson is unlikely to be the workhorse running back fantasy managers were expecting out of Akers and Sean McVay has said as much. This gives Jones the chance to carve out a weekly role that could lead to himself being a viable flex player during bye weeks. If Henderson gets hurt or underwhelms in the driver’s seat, Jones could earn an even bigger role. He makes for a great late-round lottery pick for fantasy managers.