Who Should I Start? Brashard Smith or Ollie Gordon II

Thursday, August 7, 8:16 PM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith (finger) suffered a finger injury in training camp practice on Thursday and left early, according to Chiefs beat writer Matt McMullen. It is unknown if Smith's injury is serious, but it could keep him from taking part in the preseason opener on Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals. If the 22-year-old is healthy going into his first NFL season, he figures to be the RB4, at best, for the Chiefs, behind Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell. The SMU product is a converted receiver that can be ignored in all redraft fantasy formats this fall. In his first year in the NFL, the speedy pass-catching back will most likely make his biggest impact on special teams, potentially as a kick returner.

Sunday, August 17, 7:24 AM

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II continued his strong preseason with 50 rushing yards on 10 carries against the Lions on Saturday and also caught both of his targets for nine more yards. With starter De'Von Achane dealing with a soft-tissue lower-body injury that will keep him out between "days and weeks," according to coach Mike McCarthy, the competition for the backup running back spot is even more critical. Gordon struggled in the first half with just two yards on two carries, but showed up with 48 yards on eight carries in the second half while the Dolphins came back to claim the victory. Last week, Gordon had eight carries for 33 yards and a touchdown while catching one of three targets for 39 yards against the Bears. The rookie is battling for playing time with Jaylen Wright and Mike Boone, with Alexander Mattison (neck) out for the year. Gordon's strong preseason showing and good short-yardage skill set make him an early-season sleeper to watch if he can claim the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind Achane, who is expected to be ready for Week 1 but has had durability concerns throughout his NFL career.