Who Should I Start? J.K. Dobbins or Trey Benson

Monday, December 23, 3:21 PM

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced on Monday that the team is opening up the 21-day practice window for running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) to return from Injured Reserve. It means that Dobbins will be eligible to return to practice with the team this week, although it doesn't guarantee that he'll officially be activated from IR and return to the field for this Saturday's contest against the New England Patriots. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on Dobbins' practice status this week. If the coaching staff likes what they see from Dobbins from Tuesday through Thursday, they could activate him on Friday. However, if Dobbins returns, he could be at risk of being eased in and sharing valuable backfield touches with both Gus Edwards and rookie Kimani Vidal. With fantasy titles on the line this week, we're not sure we'd recommend starting Dobbins in what could be a limited role if active.

Friday, December 20, 11:26 AM

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, according to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss. Benson, a rookie, has consistently operated as the Cardinals' No. 2 running back behind James Conner, totaling 291 rushing yards, 59 receiving yards, and one touchdown this year. With Benson sidelined and Emari Demercado (back) on injured reserve, the Cardinals will call upon DeeJay Dallas to back up Conner in Week 16. For fantasy purposes, Conner, who was the overall RB1 last week, is the only Arizona running back worth rostering and starting on Sunday.