Who Should I Start? Audric Estimé or Dillon Johnson

Monday, November 18, 12:47 AM

Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime was a hot waiver-wire pickup heading into Week 11 against the Atlanta Falcons after leading Denver's backfield in the Week 10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Estime took a back seat to Javonte Williams in the 38-6 win over the Falcons, carrying the ball six times for only 16 yards and catching all three of his targets for nine yards. Williams finished with 13 touches for 87 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. The 21-year-old fifth-rounder from Notre Dame saw most of his work in the second half with the game already in hand. While Estime did not serve as the lead back on Sunday, he'll most likely work in tandem with Williams as at least the RB2 for the Broncos ahead of Jaleel McLaughlin moving forward. That will give him some low-end RB3/flex appeal in Week 12 versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders.

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.