Who Should I Start? Dillon Johnson or Isaiah Davis

Thursday, September 5, 2:14 PM

The Carolina Panthers signed rookie running back Dillon Johnson to the practice squad on Thursday, according to NFL.com. Johnson went unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft following a stellar season at Washington. While playing in a loaded offense featuring Michael Penix Jr., Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan, Johnson rushed 233 times for 1,195 yards and 16 touchdowns in 14 games last season. He spent time with the Tennessee Titans this offseason before being let go on July 25. He was signed by Carolina on July 31 but waived on August 19. Carolina won't have Jonathon Brooks (knee) for at least the first four games of the season, and with Miles Sanders (finger) banged up, Johnson adds depth to the practice squad. For now, he's nowhere near the fantasy football radar.

Sunday, August 25, 1:52 PM

New York Jets rookie fifth-round running back Isaiah Davis, who is a jack of all trades in the backfield, is the leading candidate for the RB3 role to open up his first year in the NFL. Davis could also land a job as a kick returner on special teams. Breece Hall will be the team's workhorse starting running back in 2024, with rookie Braelon Allen earning the backup change-of-pace role. The 22-year-old Davis is merely a stash candidate in deep dynasty/keeper fantasy leagues this year. He was a workhorse back in his time at South Dakota State and has enough size and power to be intriguing as an early-down back if he ever sees significant playing time down the road. With Davis looking primed for the RB3 role to begin the year, it means that Israel Abanikanda will open the season as the team's RB4.