Matt Dayes

Browns rookie running back Matthew Dayes received five touches in his first NFL game. He carried the ball three times for seven yards and added two catches for nine yards in the passing game.

Fantasy Impact

It was Dayes, and not Duke Johnson, who spelled starter Isaiah Crowell at the running back position. It appears it will be Dayes operating as Crowell's direct backup at running back while Johnson works more as a wide receiver.

Cleveland Browns running back Matthew Dayes was solid in a second consecutive preseason game on Monday against the Giants. Dayes rushed five times for 15 yards and caught five passes for 29 yards.

Fantasy Impact

Dayes also scored a rushing touchdown in the team's first preseason game. He is making an impression in camp and is a good bet to secure the team's third string running back job behind Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. Dayes is an interesting roster stash in very deep dynasty leagues.

Cleveland Browns running back Matthew Dayes showed well in his first preseason game. The undrafted rookie rushed three times for nine yards and scored one touchdown to help his team beat the Saints 20-14.

Fantasy Impact

Dayes also reeled in three passes for nine yards. He is competing with second-year back Brandon Wilds to serve as the team's third running back behind Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. Thursday's performance certainly gives Dayes the leg up in the competition.

Patrick Maks, staff writer for the Browns, reported that rookie seventh-round RB Matthew Dayes, "who put together a couple of nice runs, has caught Jackson's attention."

Fantasy Impact

It's hard to say exactly what this means, but it's a good sign for his chances to slot in third on the depth chart. The position is pretty thin behind Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. With Johnson possibly transitioning to the slot, Dayes figures to be a likely candidate to be Crowell's handcuff. If Dayes continues to flash through preseason, and Crowell misses time, Dayes could be in line for the early down work, with Johnson handling passing down duties. Dayes is worth monitoring in Dynasty or Keeper formats, as Crowell is an unrestricted free agent after this season, and is on a 1-year deal with nothing guaranteed. However, Dayes shouldn't be drafted in a 12-team redraft league.

Patrick Maks of the Cleveland Browns' website reported that seventh round draft pick RB Matt Dayes is playing with a chip on his shoulder. He received praise from running backs coach Kirby Wilson on how quickly he picked up the offense, and from VP of Player Personnel Andrew Berry on how good he is in the passing game.

Fantasy Impact

Dayes is most likely to see work in the passing game, but there is not a clear path to snaps with Duke Johnson Jr. on the roster. Johnson is clearly the better option at this point, which is why Dayes was working with the third-team offense this spring. Dayes can compete for the RB3 role on the team and may see some work if there is an injury to Isaiah Crowell or Johnson. Dayes is a decent late-round flier in Dynasty rookie drafts, especially as Crowell is only signed through this season. However, Dayes is not on the redraft radar at this point.