Who Should I Start? David Montgomery or J.K. Dobbins

Friday, September 22, 7:19 PM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (thigh) didn't practice all week and is listed as doubtful to play in Week 3 on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Montgomery was expected to miss some time all along after getting hurt in the Week 2 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks, so fantasy managers should have already moved him to their benches for this week. Consider him highly questionable to play on a short week in Week 4 next Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers on the road. With Montgomery out, Craig Reynolds will serve as the backup to rookie first-rounder Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs has underwhelmed in his first two NFL games so far, but he'll have obvious RB1 upside this weekend with Montgomery out of the picture.

Monday, September 11, 4:49 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) is expected to undergo surgery on Friday for his torn Achilles, according to a source. Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers recovered in less than six months from a torn Achilles two years ago, and Dobbins is aiming for a similar timeline with his recovery. In any event, fantasy managers in redraft leagues can safely drop Dobbins after just one week of the 2023 season. The 24-year-old will enter free agency next March, but he'll have to prove his health before any other teams take a chance on the injury-prone running back. With Dobbins now out of the picture, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill will share Baltimore's backfield, with veteran Melvin Gordon III expected to join the roster from the practice squad.