Who Should I Start? Damien Harris or Jerome Ford

Monday, March 25, 9:07 PM

Former New England Patriots running back Damien Harris announced his retirement from professional football on Monday at age 27. The Patriots selected Harris in the third round (87th overall) in the 2019 NFL draft out of Alabama, and he had 449 rushing attempts for 2,094 yards and 20 touchdowns in his four years in New England in 38 regular-season games (34 starts) while adding 40 receptions on 51 targets for an additional 281 receiving yards. Harris spent the 2023 campaign with the Buffalo Bills but played in only six games before suffering a season-ending concussion/neck injury that saw him be taken off the field in an ambulance. He'll end his NFL career after just five seasons, recording 2,188 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 427 carries with the Pats and Bills.

Wednesday, May 1, 4:34 PM

In a media availability this week, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke on the team's current running back situation. "I think Jerome [Ford] has done a nice job. He had some really, really, really big moments for our football team and he made big plays for us when we needed it." Stefanski said. "So, excited about that." The Cleveland Browns appear to have a crowded running back room heading into 2024, as Nick Chubb (knee), Ford, and D'Onta Foreman have all had their moments over the last two seasons. Of course, Chubb is recovering from a major knee injury that he suffered in Week 2 of last season, so he could be eased into action to begin the new campaign. "With Nick [Chubb], obviously, we'll continue to let him rehab, and when he's ready and the doctors tell me he's ready, he goes." Stefanski said," Until then, we like the guys we have." There will be plenty of updates on this situation as we inch closer to fantasy football season, but for now, his comments regarding Ford are promising. The Cincinnati product rushed 204 times for 813 yards and four touchdowns last year to go along with 44 receptions for 319 yards and five scores. Regardless of Chubb's status, Ford should at least be involved in the receiving game in his third NFL season.