Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Najee Harris

Wednesday, September 3, 4:27 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler was once again deployed as the team's RB1 during practice on Wednesday. During a QB/RB drill, JP Finaly of NBC4 reported that Ekeler was given the first opportunity, while seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt followed him. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. followed behind him as the third and fourth running backs. Earlier in the week, Ekeler was listed first on the team's depth chart, and his usage during Wednesday's practice seems to solidify his role as the lead option. During his debut season in Washington, Ekeler served as the primary pass-catching back, but was still very effective on the ground, posting a 4.8 YPC. Given his projected role, Ekeler carries RB2 upside in PPR leagues and strong flex value in standard formats facing the New York Giants in Week 1.

Thursday, September 4, 6:06 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris (eye) was a full participant in practice again on Thursday and was removed from the final injury report for Week 1, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Harris will be active on Friday in Brazil against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, but rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton will reportedely make the "start." The Chargers have said all along this week that they expected the 27-year-old Harris to make his debut with the team despite missing most of training camp and all of the preseason due to a superficial eye injury suffered in a fireworks mishap on the Fourth of July. Harris going to have a role against KC, but how much he's used alongside Hampton is anyone's guess. Harris deserves to be rostered in all fantasy leagues, especially as a handcuff to Hampton, but we'd recommend benching him on Friday.