Who Should I Start? Dameon Pierce or Kendre Miller

Saturday, July 20, 1:20 PM

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce, who will enter the 2024 season as the backup to new lead back Joe Mixon, has looked good early on in training camp. Pierce was more decisive on his runs on the first day of camp on Saturday and could form a strong 1-2 punch with Mixon if he continues to look this good once the pads go on and to open the regular season. The 24-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2022 out of Florida nearly ran for 1,000 yards in just 13 games in his rookie season in 2022 before disappointing in his sophomore year in 2023 and losing the starting job to Devin Singletary. Pierce could excel with Houston moving to an outside-zone scheme, but as long as Mixon stays healthy, he probably won't be anything more than a handcuff option in fantasy leagues.

Wednesday, July 24, 2:32 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) left Wednesday's practice with a hamstring injury. Miller strained his hamstring last year during the preseason to start off what was an injury-ruined rookie year. He should be considered day-to-day until more is known, but the Saints could certainly opt to take a cautious approach here. The 22-year-old TCU product was a third-round pick in last year's NFL draft, but he was held to eight just appearances, and he'd be missing out on valuable reps if this turns out to be a significant setback. Jamaal Williams would have a clearer path to No. 2 duties behind starter Alvin Kamara for any time Miller is absent from training camp, with gadget player Taysom Hill likely getting more involved in New Orleans' backfield.