Who Should I Start? Bucky Irving or Omarion Hampton

Thursday, December 4, 6:13 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) upgraded from a limited practice participant on Wednesday to a full showing on Thursday ahead of the Week 14 game against the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday, according to Sara Palczewski of Louisiana First News. Irving returned in last Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals for the first time since suffering foot and shoulder injuries back in Week 4. The 23-year-old played 52% of the offensive snaps and had 19 touches for 81 scrimmage yards and his first rushing touchdown of the year. The Bucs will continue to involve both Rachaad White and Sean Tucker in change-of-pace roles down the stretch, but Irving is their preferred back and has clear RB1 upside for fantasy managers now that he's back and set to see an even bigger workload this weekend against the Saints. Irving is averaging a mediocre 3.4 yards per carry in five games this year, but he's had at least 14 rushing attempts in all five games and has a high floor.

Saturday, December 6, 4:01 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton has been activated off IR and is set to return to the field for Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles after missing seven games with a fractured ankle. Before the injury, Hampton was impressive, averaging 4.8 YPC across five games. The matchup is favorable, as the Eagles' rush defense was just gashed for 281 yards and may be without defensive tackle Jalen Carter. With quarterback Justin Herbert questionable, this game is likely to be a run-heavy contest favored by Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman. However, with Kimani Vidal having impressed and Hassan Haskins (hamstring) also in the mix, the Chargers are likely to ease Hampton back in and limit his carries. He should not be relied upon as a bell-cow in his first game back and is best viewed as a low-end RB2 due to the uncertainty around his workload.