Who Should I Start? Ameer Abdullah or Boston Scott

Friday, January 3, 6:07 PM

After initially being listed as doubtful, the Las Vegas Raiders have downgraded running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) to out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers after he missed practice all week. Abdullah injured his foot in the Week 17 loss to the New Orleans Saints in which he had the first 100-yard rushing day of the season. With the 31-year-old getting an early start to the offseason, the Raiders will use Alexander Mattison as their lead back against LA at Allegiant Stadium, with rookie Dylan Laube and Chris Collier also seeing action in a change-of-pace role. Abdullah saw additional opportunities in the second half of this season due to injuries to Mattison and Zamir White, but he'll finish his third season in Sin City with only 311 rushing yards and two TDs on 66 carries over 16 games. He added a career-high 40 catches for 261 yards and three more TDs.

Tuesday, November 26, 6:08 PM

The Washington Commanders have brought in free agent running backs James Robinson and Boston Scott for workouts. The Commanders are thin at running back with Austin Ekeler (concussion) and Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) both exiting the team's Week 12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys with injuries. Robinson and Scott have both enjoyed success in the past. Robinson most recently played in one game for the Green Bay Packers in 2023 while providing depth on their practice squad. He is known for rushing for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns as an undrafted rookie running back in 2020. Scott spent the first six years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent time on the practice squads of both the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. Both players are quality backs that would provide a steady veteran presence in the locker room. Neither would move the needle much in fantasy. Instead, fantasy managers should turn to Jeremy McNichols as insurance in the Commanders' backfield.