Who Should I Start? J.J. Taylor or Jaret Patterson

Wednesday, August 20, 12:10 PM

The Houston Texans announced on Tuesday that they released running back J.J. Taylor and wide receiver Xavier Johnson and signed wide receivers Cornell Powell and Juwann Winfree in corresponing moves, according to DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. Taylor didn't do enough to impress the Texans coaching staff during training camp and the preseason and will now look to catch on with another RB-needy team before the start of the 2025 regular season in early September. The 27-year-old had 10 touches for 29 yards in Houston's two preseason contests. Last year with the Texans, Taylor played in only five games and carried the ball 10 times for 44 yards and caught two passes for no gain. In his four NFL seasons (three with New England), he has only 62 carries for 200 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games played (no starts).

Monday, December 1, 6:41 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson carried the ball 11 times for 54 yards and a touchdown in the team's 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. After being signed to the active roster early last week, Patterson served as the primary back behind Kimani Vidal as the Chargers totaled 192 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Patterson looked decisive and scored his first rushing touchdown of the season as the offense relied heavily on the ground game following Justin Herbert's hand injury. Looking ahead, rookie Omarion Hampton's return from IR is imminent after his 21-day practice window opened last week, which would move Patterson behind Hampton and Vidal. Next Monday night, the Bolts face a Philadelphia Eagles defense that has recently been vulnerable against the run. However, Patterson's fantasy value depends entirely on Hampton's availability in Week 14. If Hampton returns, Patterson might not even see the field. If he doesn't, Patterson will remain a depth piece with a few change-of-pace carries.