Who Should I Start? Cordarrelle Patterson or Kareem Hunt

Monday, July 28, 2:17 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released running back Cordarrelle Patterson, according to a tweet from Patterson himself on Monday morning. The 34-year-old appeared to be fifth on the team's depth chart at running back behind Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell, and Trey Sermon, so this news does not come as a huge surprise. Patterson appeared in 13 games for Pittsburgh in 2024, rushing for 135 yards on 32 carries and catching 12 passes for 80 yards. He also served as a kick returner, which is where Patterson has arguably made the biggest impact throughout his career. It remains to be seen whether the 12-year vet will look to catch on with another team as a gadget piece on offense and contributor on special teams, or hang up his cleats. Either way, his days as a fantasy-relevant player are in the past.

Saturday, September 13, 4:49 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will take on the Philadelphia Eagles at home this Sunday. Hunt received an identical workload to Isiah Pacheco and produced similar results. The veteran back was less efficient with his carries but picked up more receiving yards in his three opportunities. It is also important to note that Hunt appeared to be the preferred back on passing downs and short yardage situations. If this usage continues, Hunt could end up being the more fantasy-relevant player in this backfield. The Chiefs deployed Hunt in goal-line situations last season, and he was successful in that role, so it's possible that he retains that job. That said, the backfield usage was split 50/50, and it will be a difficult situation to deal with unless one player starts commanding more touches. Hunt will have to face a stout Eagles defense this week, so even if he gets more work, it could be hard to get anything going. Hunt is ranked RB48 in our RotoBaller rankings this week, making him a deeper league flex option. It might be best to wait and see how this backfield shakes out.