Who Should I Start? Gus Edwards or Bucky Irving

Friday, March 7, 7:32 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers have informed veteran running back Gus Edwards that he will be released in the coming days, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Edwards appeared in just 11 games in 2024, his only season with the Chargers, rushing for 365 yards and four touchdowns on 101 carries. With Edwards now a free-agent, the Chargers could have an entirely revamped backfield in 2025 with J.K. Dobbins also an unrestricted free-agent. There is a good chance the Chargers target a running back in the 2025 NFL draft in what is shaping up as a loaded class at the position. Edwards will now look to latch on with another team as an early-down and short-yardage grinder.

Monday, January 13, 12:53 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving rushed for 77 yards on 17 carries during Sunday's playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. He also caught two passes for an additional six yards through the air. In the loss, Irving averaged his lowest yards per carry since Week 9 (excluding his injury-shortened Week 14), which is not an indictment on his performance but rather a testament to just how well he's been running the football lately. He carved out the lead-back role once again on Sunday, registering 17 carries to Rachaad White's one. White has essentially been delegated to pass-catching situations, and even then, he continues to lose opportunities to Irving. It has been fascinating to watch this backfield dynamic develop throughout the season, with White slipping way down from the RB1 tier in fantasy football while Irving becomes one of the top running backs in dynasty fantasy football (and a mid-range RB1 in redraft leagues, too). Barring an unexpected change or addition within the Buccaneers' backfield, Irving should remain their primary ball carrier entering 2025.