Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones Sr. or Brian Robinson Jr.

Wednesday, October 22, 5:27 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (hamstring) is considered questionable to be activated from Injured Reserve to make his return in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Vikings opened Jones' 21-day practice window on Tuesday, and he was listed as a limited practice participant the last two days, suggesting that he'll likely be held out for another week. The 30-year-old has been on IR since suffering a hamstring injury back in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. If he ends up being activated and suiting up on Thursday night in Los Angeles, it wouldn't be a surprise if he's the second option out of the backfield behind Jordan Mason, who has been operating as the team's lead back with Jones out. If Jones stays on IR this week, his next chance to return would come in Week 9 versus the division-rival Detroit Lions.

Tuesday, October 21, 1:02 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson Jr. had his most productive game since Week 1 on Sunday night. San Francisco leaned heavily on their rushing attack in their Week 7 win over the Atlanta Falcons, allowing Robinson nine carries, tying his season high. Robinson also hit new highs in rushing yards (36) and snap share (26%). His on-field involvement in Week 7 is significant. In Weeks 1 and 2, he had shares of 24% and 23%, respectively, but his rate fluctuated between 7% and 15% in the games since then. Robinson's rebound in usage in Week 7 might be an indicator that the team is realizing they need to do better at divying up the backfield workload to take pressure off Christian McCaffrey. Robinson is not producing enough in his change-of-pace role to start in fantasy football, but he is one of the more valuable handcuffs in the league.