Who Should I Start? Israel Abanikanda or DeWayne McBride

Friday, December 29, 12:25 PM

New York Jets rookie running back Israel Abanikanda has seemingly leapfrogged Dalvin Cook as the No. 2 back behind Breece Hall with the team playing out the string of another lost season in 2023. Abanikanda carried the ball twice for three yards and caught a season-high four passes on seven targets for 27 yards in Thursday night's 37-20 loss to the visiting Cleveland Browns. The 21-year-old rookie also lost a fumble on a kickoff return in the first half. Abanikanda saw a career-high nine carries in last week's win over the Washington Commanders and should be more involved behind Hall in the team's Week 18 regular season finale against the New England Patriots on Jan. 7. He figures to be more involved in a complementary role in 2024 and should be stashed in dynasty/keeper leagues.

Tuesday, August 29, 2:32 PM

The Minnesota Vikings are releasing running back DeWayne McBride as Tuesday's roster cutdown deadline approaches. McBride was selected by the Vikings in the seventh round in the 2023 NFL Draft after a stellar final season at UAB. McBride rushed 233 times for 1,713 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2022. Given his college production, there might be other teams interested in picking him up. There's also a chance he ends up back with the Vikings on the practice squad. For now, it looks like second-year running back Ty Chandler is the direct backup to Alexander Mattison in 2023.