Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones or Jaylen Warren

Wednesday, August 6, 5:11 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones is listed as the starting running back on the team's first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, according to Vikings beat writer Craig Peters. Jordan Mason is listed as Jones' primary backup, with Ty Chandler, Zavier Scott and Tre Stewart behind him. Jones is still the top dog in the Vikings' backfield, but the team has made it no secret that they have big plans for Mason as well. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has hinted at reducing Jones' workload in 2025 as part of a "1A/B backfield structure" that includes Mason. Goal-line and short-yardage situations could be where Mason is really used, which is concerning for Jones' fantasy ceiling as an RB2. In his first year in Minnesota, Jones had 1,138 rushing yards and five touchdowns on a career-high 255 attempts. With a smaller workload likely coming, consider him on the RB2/3 borderline.

Tuesday, August 5, 10:13 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was listed as the top running back on the team's initial preseason depth chart. Veteran Kenneth Gainwell is listed behind only Warren, while rookie Kaleb Johnson is the third back on the depth chart. Johnson has been struggling with pass coverage, according to reports, which could limit his role early in the season and give Warren and Gainwell a chance to dominate the workload. Warren has always been excellent in pass coverage and could benefit from Aaron Rodgers' tendency to check down to running backs. Johnson could still earn short-yardage and goal-line work as the preseason continues, but for now, Warren looks to be the clear frontrunner for work in the Steelers' backfield.