Who Should I Start? Cordarrelle Patterson or Will Shipley

Thursday, July 24, 6:31 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson (undisclosed) missed the team's first training camp practice on Thursday with an undisclosed injury, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. Patterson is considered day-to-day, which means he should be able to rejoin his teammates soon. In his first year with the Steelers in 2024, Patterson carried the ball 32 times for 132 yards and no touchdowns while catching 12 of his 14 targets for 80 yards and a touchdown. Although Najee Harris is out of town, the Steelers added Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon in free agency and drafted Kaleb Johnson, so the 34-year-old Patterson once again figures to struggle for consistent touches in a backfield that also includes Jaylen Warren. Patterson is definitely versatile on offense, but he will be off the fantasy radar once again in most leagues.

Wednesday, July 23, 9:46 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back AJ Dillon was seen taking first team reps during the first day of training camp on Wednesday. It's only the beginning of camp, but it is interesting to see Dillon getting first team snaps over Will Shipley. Dillon was brought in on a one-year deal this offseason to replace Kenneth Gainwell who departed in free agency. Dillon did not play last season due to a neck injury, but appears to be at full health again. He posted three seasons with 600 rushing yards or more during his time with the Green Bay Packers. The 27-year-old is certainly capable of being a viable backup to Saquon Barkley. Neither Dillon nor Shipley figure to have weekly value with Barkley healthy, but both could be on the radar if Barkley ever misses time. Whoever wins the backup job could be a solid stash option.