Who Should I Start? Damien Harris or Kenneth Gainwell

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.

Monday, December 8, 10:18 PM

Across 13 games this season, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has recorded 657 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 130 touches. The 26-year-old has recorded just 35 rushing yards over the last two weeks, and he's been held to rushing yards or less in five out of his last six games. However, Gainwell has emerged as a safety blanket for Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the passing game. Over the last four weeks, Gainwell has hauled in 21 receptions for 163 yards and two touchdowns on 24 targets. Pittsburgh is splitting backfield snaps between Gainwell and Jaylen Warren, which limits the upside of both players. Still, Gainwell's role as a receiver makes him a viable flex option for fantasy managers. Heading into his Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, Gainwell is worth rostering in PPR leagues with 10 or more teams.