Fowler among 3 golfers who can make a weekend charge at TPC Potomac

The three leaders are tied after 36 holes at the Quicken Loans National, and plenty of recognizable names are within striking distance. That means the numbers suggest a golfer sitting outside the top 10 is unlikely to win.

However, here are three golfers with a great chance to make a serious run on the weekend, all of whom sit outside the top 10 heading into Saturday.

Joaquin Niemann (4 back)

Niemann only sits four shots back and has a legitimate shot at winning. But due to a cold putter on Friday, he doesn't have one of the late tee times for Round 3.

The 19-year-old gained 3.6 strokes tee to green in the second round, hitting 12 of 14 fairways and 15 of 18 greens. He has yet to finish outside of the top 10 after making the cut as a professional.

Rickie Fowler (5 back)

Fowler is the most notable name primed to make a run thanks to an outstanding Round 2. He fired a bogey-free 66 and gained over three strokes through approach shots alone.

Fowler's downfall so far this week has been his short game. He ranks 51st in strokes gained: around the green, an extremely uncharacteristic performance for someone who is usually lights out with his wedges.

Charles Howell III (6 back)

Through two rounds, Howell ranks 59th in strokes gained: putting, but that was solely based on a poor Round 1. He is gaining strokes in all the other categories and really turned things around on Friday, carding a bogey-free 67.

"Chucky three sticks" was the runner-up at this event last year, and also holds the course-record 61 at TPC Potomac, proving he knows what it takes to score well there. Expect one of the most consistent golfers on the PGA Tour to make a charge on Saturday.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)