Who Should I Start? Demond Claiborne or Eli Heidenreich


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.5 7.1 0.1 0.3 2.1 0.0

Demond Claiborne News

Demond Claiborne Appears Locked into RB3 Role

Saturday, August 22, 7:39 PM

Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne totaled eight carries for 18 yards and added seven yards through the air in the 13-3 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Claiborne has been inefficient in both preseason games, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry on 20 carries. However, the sixth-round pick played all 19 snaps with J.J. McCarthy and the second-team offense, while Zavier Scott entered the game afterward. While both veterans Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason are expected to handle the backfield early in the season, Claiborne offers more speed and explosiveness than the other two. Injuries will likely be needed for the rookie to find the field this season, but Claiborne is a player to keep an eye on.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.6 5.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Eli Heidenreich News

Eli Heidenreich Looking Like RB Heading into Year 1

Saturday, June 27, 7:19 AM

Former Navy star Eli Heidenreich is listed as an RB/WR with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he was assigned a RB number (No. 29) and has been working with the RBs during individual drills and "overwhelmingly lined up" in the backfield during team drills during offseason workouts, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. RBs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr. called Heidenreich the "Swiss Navy Knife," but how much the Steelers open up their playbook in 2026 under new head coach Mike McCarthy might ultimately determine whether the 22-year-old will have a shot to make the 53-man roster for the regular season. How well he performs in pass protection, something Heidenreich wasn't asked to do much in college, could determine his fate early in his rookie season. DeFabo thinks Heidenreich will need to play his way onto Pittsburgh's roster during training camp, and it might take an injury for that to happen. Most likely, the former Midshipman will start his NFL career on the Steelers' practice squad.


Demond Claiborne vs. Eli Heidenreich

Still trying to decide between Claiborne and Heidenreich? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Demond Claiborne is projected to score 1.5 points this week while Eli Heidenreich is projected to score 0.6 points.