Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Jonathon Brooks

Tuesday, December 3, 10:38 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) said on Tuesday that he's still dealing with concussion symptoms from the team's Week 12 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. Ekeler does not remember walking off the field until getting into an ambulance to take a trip to the hospital. It's similar memory loss that he experienced after a Week 3 concussion he suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals. In addition to his concussion symptoms, he has neck pain, which led to the team putting him on Injured Reserve. Ekeler has yet to pass the concussion protocol but hopes to clear that hurdle soon and is staying positive through his recovery. With Ekeler not eligible to come off IR until the Week 18 regular-season finale, he effectively becomes useless to fantasy managers that have their championship matchups in Week 17.

Tuesday, December 10, 8:40 PM

The Carolina Panthers officially placed rookie second-round running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) on season-ending Injured Reserve on Tuesday after he sustained another torn right ACL in the Week 14 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Brooks tore the same ACL while playing at Texas in college last fall, which is why he didn't make his NFL debut until Week 11. The 21-year-old will almost certainly open the 2025 campaign on IR yet again and probably won't make his season debut late in the year, similar to what transpired this year. It's a devastating blow for the youngster and for those with shares in dynasty/keeper leagues, as Brooks may never be the explosive back in the NFL that he was in college. In three games with Carolina before tearing his ACL again, Brooks had nine carries for 22 yards and three catches for 23 yards as the distant No. 2 back behind starter Chuba Hubbard.