Who Should I Start? James Conner or Antonio Gibson

Monday, September 9, 4:46 AM

Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing described running back James Conner as the team's "bell cow" in recent comments to the media. Anyone left wondering how much Petzing's coachspeak could be trusted got their answer on Sunday. Conner handled the ball in each of the Cardinals' first six plays from scrimmage to open the game and paced the team's running backs with 16 rushing attempts. The eighth-year veteran gained 50 rushing yards and caught three passes for another 33 yards through the air. Conner scored his first touchdown of the season in the second quarter, taking the handoff from three yards out and punching it through the line for the score. Conner and the Cardinals next face the Rams, who allowed a combined 131 rushing yards and two touchdowns to David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs of the Lions in Week 1.

Wednesday, September 11, 8:20 PM

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) was listed as a limited participant for the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Starter Rhamondre Stevenson was also limited, but that was for rest purposes and not an injury. Gibson was also limited in two practices last week but he eventually suited up in his Patriots debut in the surprising Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He had a small role behind Stevenson, playing only 22% of the offensive snaps while seeing seven carries for 18 yards. Gibson wasn't targeted in the passing game. Barring a setback later this week, Gibson should be fine to play in Week 2 at home against the Seattle Seahawks. However, in a low-volume, low-upside offense currently being game managed by veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, we can't realistically recommend Gibson as even a flex play in most fantasy setups.