Who Should I Start? DJ Giddens or Emmett Johnson


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
2.3 10.1 0.1 0.5 3.1 0.0

DJ Giddens News

DJ Giddens Remains Out on Saturday

Saturday, August 8, 7:32 AM

Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens (hamstring) is not practicing on Saturday as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Giddens has not practiced since last Sunday and has reportedly struggled to stand out at training camp. In 2025, Giddens had just 26 carries for 96 yards in nine games and had no receptions. Meanwhile, rookie Seth McGowan has shown more flash as a runner and has been compared to David Montgomery. He has begun to separate himself from Giddens as the clear RB2 in Indianapolis behind the newly paid Jonathan Taylor. If Giddens can't recover quickly enough from his hamstring injury, he will likely fall off the fantasy radar in 2026.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
2.3 10.3 0.1 0.4 2.9 0.0

Emmett Johnson News

Emmett Johnson Working with Second and Third Team in Camp

Friday, August 7, 7:00 PM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson has yet to emerge in training camp and has been working with the second- and third-team offenses. Johnson was drafted with the Chiefs' fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a strong final season at Nebraska. He totaled 1,821 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025, leading the Big Ten in rushing yards. Now behind Kenneth Walker III and Brashard Smith and competing with veteran Emari Demercado, Johnson appears likely to be a non-factor early in the season. Fantasy managers who draft the rookie running back should expect a slow start and a potentially increased role if injuries occur to backs above him on the depth chart.


DJ Giddens vs. Emmett Johnson

Still trying to decide between Giddens and Johnson? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that DJ Giddens is projected to score 2.3 points this week while Emmett Johnson is projected to score 2.3 points.