Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones or Quinshon Judkins

Monday, April 7, 12:27 PM

The Minnesota Vikings have running back Aaron Jones penciled in as their starting RB again in 2025 after paying him more to return ($20 million over two seasons). However, ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that new RB Jordan Mason isn't going to be a typical backup after they acquired him in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has been very clear that he wants to pull back on Jones' usage after he set career-highs in snaps (700), rushing attempts (255) and total touches (306) in 2024. "When he has historically had that 1A/1B backfield structure, he can be a total game-changer every time he touches the ball," O'Connell said. "So it was always about bringing Aaron back ... but what are we going to pair him with?" It's obviously bad news for Jones' chances of an RB1 finish in fantasy in 2025, with Mason expected to be used in short-yardage and goal-line situations for the Vikes.

Tuesday, July 29, 2:33 PM

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said he is "cautiously optimistic" that rookie running back Quinshon Judkins will play for the Browns this season, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Judkins was arrested on domestic violence charges earlier in July and remains unsigned as a result. The Browns drafted Judkins in the second round out of Ohio State, where he collected over 1,200 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns in 2024. He had been expected to compete with veteran Jerome Ford and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson for backfield touches in Cleveland, but Judkins could be facing missed time due to suspension as a result of his off-field issues. Until there's more clarity around Judkins' legal situation, fantasy managers in re-draft leagues should proceed with caution.