Vick Ballard a worthwhile fringe play this week

Indianapolis Colts running back Donald Brown (knee) has practiced in full consecutive days and looks increasingly likely to play against the Tennessee Titans in Week 8.

Vick Ballard, coming off a 21-touch, 103-yard effort in Week 7, will still have a role this week, if not a large one. It seems unlikely the Colts will give Brown a substantial workload in his first game back, and the stocky Ballard should see a decent amount of utilizations against a shaky Browns D.

Tennessee has allowed running backs to average 22.0 standard fantasy points (30.5 in PPR), 24.0 carries, 104.3 rushing yards and 0.50 scores per game in the last month. Through the air, opposing RBs have accounted for weekly averages of 8.50 receptions, 77.3 yards and 0.50 TDs over that same span.

The Titans cornerbacks are competent on the outside and should be happy to let Andrew Luck check down all day. Ballard is a trusted third-down option for Bruce Arians.

There's room for both Brown and Ballard to share reps while still producing meaningful numbers in Week 8 ... perhaps beyond, too. However, given where Brown is in his recovery timeline, Ballard is the better choice for your flex play in PPR leagues.

Brown should be back to a full-time role after this week, although he may lose a few touches around the stripe to Ballard.

Cory J. Bonini writes for KFFL.com, an affiliate of USA TODAY Sports Media Group