Who Should I Start? A.J. Dillon or Braelon Allen

Wednesday, July 23, 9:39 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back AJ Dillon was seen taking first team reps during the first day of training camp on Wednesday. It's only the beginning of camp, but it is interesting to see Dillon getting first team snaps over Will Shipley. Dillon was brought in on a one-year deal this offseason to replace Kenneth Gainwell who departed in free agency. Dillon did not play last season due to a neck injury, but appears to be at full health again. He posted three seasons with 600 rushing yards or more during his time with the Green Bay Packers. The 27-year-old is certainly capable of being a viable backup to Saquon Barkley. Neither Dillon nor Shipley figure to have weekly value with Barkley healthy, but both could be on the radar if Barkley ever misses time. Whoever wins the backup job could be a solid stash option.

Friday, August 1, 2:16 PM

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen (knee) returned to practice on Friday, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Allen missed the team's practices on both Wednesday and Thursday due to knee soreness. The second-year back has drawn rave reviews thus far in training camp, and early reporting indicates that the Jets plan to use more of a committee approach in the backfield between Allen, Breece Hall, and Isaiah Davis. As a rookie in 2024, Allen rushed for 334 yards and two touchdowns on 92 carries. Provided he can stay healthy, all indications are that he'll significantly increase his workload in 2025. If that happens, he could be a value as a late-round dart throw in fantasy drafts.