Who Should I Start? Devin Neal or Brashard Smith

Tuesday, August 5, 5:31 PM

New Orleans Saints rookie running back Devin Neal (hamstring) will miss a few weeks due to a hamstring injury, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. It's the worst possible time for a rookie to have to sit out, and it means that Neal will miss the preseason opener this Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers and most likely Week 2 of the preseason against the Denver Broncos. The 21-year-old is attempting to win a depth role heading into his first year in the NFL behind starter Alvin Kamara. The Saints plans to hold Kamara out of Sunday's preseason contest, so it will be Kendre Miller, Cam Akers and Clyde Edwards-Helaire splitting up the touches. For the 2025 season, Neal should strictly be considered a dynasty/keeper stash.

Thursday, August 7, 8:16 PM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith (finger) suffered a finger injury in training camp practice on Thursday and left early, according to Chiefs beat writer Matt McMullen. It is unknown if Smith's injury is serious, but it could keep him from taking part in the preseason opener on Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals. If the 22-year-old is healthy going into his first NFL season, he figures to be the RB4, at best, for the Chiefs, behind Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell. The SMU product is a converted receiver that can be ignored in all redraft fantasy formats this fall. In his first year in the NFL, the speedy pass-catching back will most likely make his biggest impact on special teams, potentially as a kick returner.