Who Should I Start? Cordarrelle Patterson or Jerick McKinnon

Thursday, July 10, 10:47 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson could be "on the outside looking in" in regards to the team's backfield mix, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. The 34-year-old Patterson appeared in 13 games for Pittsburgh last season, serving as both a kick returner and a gadget piece on offense (215 yards from scrimmage on 44 total touches). The Steelers added rookie Kaleb Johnson in the draft and former Philadelphia Eagles' back Kenneth Gainwell in free agency, so there is increased competition in the running back room. Patterson does have a history with Pittsburgh play-caller Arthur Smith dating back to their time together in Atlanta, which might make it more likely that he's still in the Steelers' 2025 plans.

Wednesday, January 10, 12:32 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (hernia, pelvis) was on crutches on Tuesday in his first day back at the team's facility following sports-hernia surgery on Jan. 2, which was performed by Dr. Williams Meyers. In addition to a sports hernia, McKinnon fractured his pelvis. It all means that McKinnon is doubtful to return for the postseason, even if the Chiefs make another run to the Super Bowl this year. The 31-year-old is eligible for free agency in March but has expressed interest in returning to Kansas City. McKinnon missed the final three games of the regular season and finished 2023 with just 21 carries for 60 yards and one touchdown while adding 25 receptions for 192 yards and four touchdowns through the air in 12 games played. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will have a bigger role as the No. 2 in KC's backfield behind Isiah Pacheco now that McKinnon is out.