Who Should I Start? Audric Estimé or Dillon Johnson

Wednesday, September 11, 5:10 PM

Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime (ankle) was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday, forcing him to miss at least four games. The rookie running back had a limited role in the Week 1 26-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, totaling two rushing attempts for 14 yards, including a 12-yard rush. While the former Notre Dame star was the No. 3 running back on the depth chart, his time on injured reserve could open up playing time for Blake Watson. The undrafted free-agent running back is worth adding in dynasty and deeper redraft leagues. Meanwhile, Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin should again receive most of the backfield workload in the Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Thursday, September 5, 2:14 PM

The Carolina Panthers signed rookie running back Dillon Johnson to the practice squad on Thursday, according to NFL.com. Johnson went unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft following a stellar season at Washington. While playing in a loaded offense featuring Michael Penix Jr., Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan, Johnson rushed 233 times for 1,195 yards and 16 touchdowns in 14 games last season. He spent time with the Tennessee Titans this offseason before being let go on July 25. He was signed by Carolina on July 31 but waived on August 19. Carolina won't have Jonathon Brooks (knee) for at least the first four games of the season, and with Miles Sanders (finger) banged up, Johnson adds depth to the practice squad. For now, he's nowhere near the fantasy football radar.