Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Tyjae Spears

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.

Sunday, December 8, 8:31 PM

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears rushed six times for 21 yards while adding one catch for two yards in the 10-6 loss to Jacksonville on Sunday. It was the first week in a while. Spears did not appear on the injury report, but his full health did not lead to more opportunities. Jacksonville surprisingly held the Titans in check all afternoon, but Tony Pollard was still able to put up 124 yards on 23 touches while Spears operated as the clear-cut backup once again. It's been mostly the same story all season for Spears, who has taken a back seat to Pollard even when he's been healthy enough to get on the field. The second-year back out of Tulane should be well off the fantasy radar next week vs. Cincinnati.