Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Jonathan Ward

Thursday, February 27, 6:29 PM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Wednesday at the NFL Combine that running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) is "doing great" and that he thinks the star RB will be able to participate in "at least parts" of the offseason program. McCaffrey was a bust at the top of fantasy drafts last fall, as he played in just four games in 2024. He missed the first two months with bilateral Achilles tendinitis and then suffered a season-ending PCL injury on Dec. 1 in the loss to the Buffalo Bills. The 28-year-old's fantasy stock will take a hit in 2025 because of his injury-plagued season, but it's hard to forget that he has rushed for 2,407 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns while catching 134 passes for 1,174 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns in 31 games since he joined San Fran midway through the 2022 season. If healthy, CMC can be a league-winner, but the injury risk is very high.

Tuesday, November 12, 1:40 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed free-agent running back Jonathan Ward to their practice squad on Tuesday. Ward will return to the team's practice squad after being cut less than a week ago. The 27-year-old will continue to provide running back depth for the Steelers behind Najee Harris (ankle), Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson while being well off the fantasy radar. The Central Michigan alum has actually appeared in four games for the Steelers this year in his first season with the team but has seen only five carries for 22 yards and hasn't been targeted in the passing game. Harris picked up a minor ankle injury in the Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders but is expected to play this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, so Ward will most likely stick on the practice squad in Week 11.