Who Should I Start? Deuce Vaughn or Julius Chestnut

Tuesday, September 9, 6:50 PM

The Denver Broncos are signing free-agent running back Deuce Vaughn to their practice squad on Tuesday, sources tell Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Vaughn, a former All-American at Kansas State and a sixth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, will give Denver additional backfield depth behind J.K. Dobbins, rookie RJ Harvey, Tyler Badie, and Jaleel McLaughlin. The 5-foot-6, 176-pounder will be a long shot to make any noise in Denver this year or ever in the NFL, given his small stature. In his two seasons with the Cowboys over the last two years, he handled only 40 carries for 110 yards (2.8 yards per tote) with no touchdowns. Vaughn caught 10 of his 12 targets for 58 yards in the passing game. Dallas cut Vaughn from their roster at the end of training camp in late August.

Saturday, October 4, 12:57 AM

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut could be headed for a reduced workload in Week 5 despite a favorable matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Chestnut has operated as a backup to Tony Pollard through the first four weeks of the season. While his usage has been relatively modest given that Pollard leads all NFL running backs in snap share, Chestnut has still been his backup and did see the field in every game, logging five total carries. That marginal usage could drop to no usage as soon as Tyjae Spears (ankle) returns to game action. Spears is currently on injured reserve but has been designated to return and is questionable for Week 5. Chestnut's already limited opportunity share would surely disappear entirely as soon as another reliable, proven player like Spears is added to the backfield. If Spears plays Sunday, Chestnut, 24, might not touch the ball. Even if he remains on IR, though, the Sacred Heart product is due for just a couple of touches and remains off the fantasy radar.