Who Should I Start? Alexander Mattison or Frank Gore Jr.

Wednesday, November 20, 3:40 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running backs Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quadriceps) will not practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. Both running backs were injured in the Week 11 loss to the Miami Dolphins last Sunday and are now in danger of missing the divisional clash this Sunday against the visiting Denver Broncos. They still have two more days to get back on the practice field, but this situation is worth watching and will make Ameer Abdullah worth a deep-league waiver-wire pickup if you are in dire straights at the RB position with six teams on bye in Week 12. Due to the struggles of White in 2024, Mattison has become Vegas' lead back. The 26-year-old had five carries for 19 yards and caught all three of his targets for 50 yards against Miami before his injury. Whoever is the "starter" for Vegas this weekend will have limited fantasy upside against a stout defense.

Monday, October 14, 6:10 PM

The Buffalo Bills elevated rookie running back Frank Gore Jr. from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster for Monday night's divisional showdown against the New York Jets. This could be a sign that James Cook (toe), who was listed as questionable to play in Week 6, may not be available to play on Monday night. But the Bills could also be electing for extra backfield depth behind Cook, Ty Johnson and rookie Ray Davis. Fantasy managers should know Cook's official status for Monday's primetime contest in another hour. The 22-year-old Gore hasn't played at all through the first five weeks of his rookie season in the NFL after going undrafted out of Southern Miss. At best, Gore could see some short-yardage work for Buffalo whenever he makes his NFL debut, but he can be ignored in all single-year fantasy formats for the time being.