Who Should I Start? Cordarrelle Patterson or Woody Marks

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.

Sunday, May 11, 9:02 PM

The Houston Texans have signed fourth-round rookie running back Woody Marks to a four-year, $5.2 million deal. Houston traded up to acquire the rights to the USC alum, sending a future third-rounder to the Miami Dolphins. Marks was a four-year player at Mississippi State and a prolific pass-catcher, particularly in his first two collegiate seasons when he totaled 143 receptions, 770 yards, and three touchdowns. He slowed down from there, but still caught at least 47 balls in two of his final three campaigns, including his last at USC. The 24-year-old isn't a burner, but don't confuse him with an early-down thumper. He's a decisive runner who trusts his blocking and possesses enough burst and shake to get to and through the second level consistently. Teammate Joe Mixon is the unquestioned RB1 in Houston, but there's little reason to think Marks couldn't challenge for backup duties. Due to his prowess as a receiver out of the backfield, seeing him garner snaps in those situations early on wouldn't be surprising.