Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones or Jonathon Brooks

Monday, October 21, 5:13 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) was listed as limited on Monday's estimated practice report. The team didn't actually hold a practice a day after their first loss of the 2024 season as they prepare to take on the Los Angeles Rams this Thursday night. Jones suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 5 win over the New York Jets in London and had the bye in Week 6 to heal up before returning in the Week 7 loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions. His hamstring looked just fine on Sunday, as he carried the ball 14 times for 93 yards and a touchdown while adding three catches for 23 yards. Barring a setback, the 29-year-old should be ready to rock this Thursday against a Rams defense that has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to RBs the last three weeks. Jones should be started on Thursday as long as he doesn't suffer a setback in practice.

Friday, October 18, 1:10 PM

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) was limited in Friday's practice but has been ruled out and won't make his NFL debut this weekend versus the Washington Commanders. Brooks made his return to practice for the first time this year on Wednesday while recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered last November while playing in college at Texas, so the 21-year-old wasn't realistically expected to play in Week 7. However, the 46th overall pick in this year's draft (the first RB off the board), could become a big part of Carolina's backfield alongside Chuba Hubbard later this year once he gets up to speed. Brooks will need to make more progress in practice next week to have a shot to make his debut for the Panthers in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos. He's worth stashing in all fantasy leagues.