Who Should I Start? Dare Ogunbowale or Khari Blasingame

Friday, August 2, 4:02 AM

Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale started and recorded 14 yards on three carries while catching two passes for 21 yards on two receptions in Thursday's Hall of Game against the Chicago Bears. Following him, J.J. Taylor gained 16 yards on six carries without involvement in the passing game. Both Ogunbowale and Taylor took the field ahead of Cam Akers, who has been with the team for only a week. As Akers continues to acclimate, he could move up the depth chart. The Texans' new starting running back, Joe Mixon (quad), is dealing with a soft tissue injury that has kept him out of practice. Even if he were fully healthy, Mixon wouldn't have played in the game, and there are no concerns about his readiness for the regular season. The Texans also rested backup halfback Dameon Pierce, which suggests the team considers him a strong candidate to keep his role as the primary backup. Ogunbowale will continue to battle Taylor and Akers this preseason for a roster spot. None have fantasy value without injuries to both Mixon and Pierce.

Thursday, February 22, 2:00 PM

Chicago Bears fullback Khari Blasingame is the team's next candidate to be released this offseason after the Bears already released safety Eddie Jackson and guard/center Cody Whitehair in cost-cutting moves. The moves to release Jackson and Whitehair saved nearly $22 million against the 2024 salary cap. Releasing Blasingame would result in $1.6 million in savings with no dead money left on the books. He's a true fullback who could fit into new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron's visions, but he's also a stalwart on special teams. The 27-year-old has played in 32 games (eight starts) for the Bears the last two years and has just eight carries for 26 yards and three receptions for two yards.