Blake Corum’s Role Shrinks in Rams’ Backfield Amid Fantasy Uncertainty

Rookie Blake Corum: From Michigan Star to Rams Afterthought

Just months ago, Blake Corum was the heart of Michigan’s powerhouse run game, a household name among college football fans and a reason for optimism in fantasy football circles. Now, five weeks into his NFL rookie campaign with the Los Angeles Rams, Corum’s role is almost invisible. For managers who drafted him hoping for a breakout, reality has hit hard: Corum played just six offensive snaps in Week 5, according to FFTODAY, accounting for a mere 8.8% of the team’s plays. His share of the rushing attempts stood at a meager 6.2%, and his target share was just 4.3%.

Kyren Williams Dominates the Backfield

Corum’s limited usage is less a reflection of his ability than a testament to the stranglehold Kyren Williams has on the Rams’ backfield. Williams, who logged an impressive 91.2% of offensive snaps, is clearly the workhorse. He commanded 87.5% of the team’s rush attempts and over 21% of targets—a rare dual-threat workload in today’s NFL. While Corum was once lauded for his vision and burst at Michigan, those opportunities simply aren’t there in Los Angeles. The Rams’ offensive plan is clear: ride Williams, and let the rookie wait his turn.

This hierarchy was underscored in the latest fantasy football guidance from CBSSports, which listed Corum as a “desperation RB” rather than a reliable starter. In a week packed with must-win matchups and injury headaches, Corum’s name is buried deep among the “sit” recommendations—a warning sign for those in need of a sleeper pick.

Fantasy Football: A Reality Check for Corum Managers

For fantasy football players, the question isn’t just “when will Corum get his chance?” but rather, “will he at all this season?” The evidence, so far, suggests patience will be required—perhaps more than most managers can afford. The Rams’ heavy reliance on Williams has left crumbs for Corum, and the team’s offensive rhythm doesn’t show signs of changing. In a backfield that rarely rotates, the rookie is relegated to spot duty, often coming in only to spell Williams for a breather or to mop up snaps in lopsided games.

Corum’s situation is further complicated by the Rams’ overall offensive philosophy. Under Sean McVay, the team has historically relied on a lead back—think Todd Gurley, then Darrell Henderson, now Williams. That approach means backups like Corum are left with minimal opportunities barring injury or dramatic changes in form. Even in games where the Rams are ahead, McVay has shown a preference for keeping his lead back on the field to maintain continuity and rhythm.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Let’s dig into the details. In Week 5, Williams logged 62 snaps out of 68, while Corum managed just six. Williams saw over 20 carries and multiple targets in the passing game. Corum, on the other hand, touched the ball only a handful of times, with little chance to showcase his skills. His snap count has not meaningfully increased since the season began—a trend that should alarm anyone hoping for a mid-season breakout.

Fantasy experts have responded accordingly. CBSSports advises sitting Corum in all but the most desperate circumstances, describing him as a “desperation RB” who should only see a lineup if injuries or bye weeks have depleted your options. The message is clear: Corum is a stash, not a start.

What Would It Take for Corum to Emerge?

Of course, the NFL is nothing if not unpredictable. Injuries, slumps, and surprise performances can shift depth charts overnight. Should Williams miss time or see a dip in effectiveness, Corum’s role could expand quickly—his college tape is proof enough of his talent. But as it stands, the rookie is stuck behind one of the league’s most entrenched starters.

For now, the only actionable advice is to hold Corum if you have deep benches and believe in his long-term upside. Otherwise, there are likely better ways to use a roster spot as the fantasy season heats up. The Rams’ schedule, with several tough run defenses looming, does little to inspire confidence in a sudden change of fortune.

It’s a tough pill to swallow for those who bought into the preseason hype. Corum’s name still carries weight, but until the Rams’ depth chart changes, he’s a fantasy afterthought—talented, but largely unused.

Analysis: Blake Corum’s rookie year has been defined by patience and waiting. While his college pedigree and potential remain intact, the data from Weeks 1-5—especially the Week 5 snap counts—show a player firmly behind Kyren Williams. For fantasy managers, the only path to relevance for Corum involves an unexpected shift in the Rams’ backfield hierarchy. Until then, he remains a “wait-and-see” prospect, not a plug-and-play contributor.