Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or Bucky Irving

Thursday, November 27, 12:13 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) doesn't have an injury designation heading into Thanksgiving's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Pacheco has missed three straight games since suffering an MCL sprain during Kansas City's Week 8 win over the Washington Commanders. The 26-year-old logged three full practices this week, and it will be interesting to see how the running back touches will be distributed in his return on Thursday. Kareem Hunt has handled a big workload in Pacheco's absence, and just recorded a career high 30 carries in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. Rookie Brashard Smith has held a small role, mostly on designed touches. Pacheco was the Chiefs' leading rusher before getting injured, but he will likely be eased back into action and split touches with Hunt. He is ranked as RotoBaller's RB41 in PPR leagues for Thanksgiving's game against the Cowboys.

Saturday, November 29, 9:06 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder, foot) is on track to return to the field for Sunday's Week 13 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Irving practiced in full all week, which puts him on track to play, barring any setbacks. This will be the first time that Irving has played since Week 4. That being said, Irving is expected to be limited in terms of snaps during his first game back. The Bucs have two other capable options in Sean Tucker and Rachaad White as well. This could turn into a three-back committee which would be bad news for fantasy managers. The Bucs might decide to ride the hot hand in what could be a run-heavy gameplan given quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is dealing with an AC joint issue. It's tough to trust Irving as more than a high-end flex option during his first game back.