Who Should I Start? Chris Brooks or Jordan James

Saturday, August 23, 8:08 PM

Green Bay Packers running back Chris Brooks was the second back to enter the game for the Packers in their 20-7 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in their third and final preseason game. Brooks took over duties after Josh Jacobs received the first two snaps of the game. Playing seven snaps of his own, Brooks exited and gave way to Emanuel Wilson. In Brooks' seven snaps across the last play of the first drive and the first six plays of the next drive, Brooks took four carries for 15 yards. With the injury to MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) putting his Week 1 status in doubt, Brooks' entrance into the game ahead of Wilson seems to put Brooks as the preferred contingent play in Week 1 should Lloyd not be healthy. That said, Brooks should only be drafted in the deepest of leagues as a pure handcuff option.

Wednesday, August 27, 10:17 PM

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Jordan James (finger) returned to practice on Wednesday, per David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. James has been sidelined since early August with a broken finger, but appears on track to be ready for Week 1. The 21-year-old was pushed down the team's depth chart when the 49ers acquired veteran running back Brian Robinson Jr. from the Washington Commanders. However, James could open the season as the RB3 in San Francisco if second-year back Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) misses time due to an ongoing shoulder issue. James would likely need multiple injuries to the backs ahead of him to be fantasy-relevant in 2025, but he's a name to be aware of in dynasty leagues.