Who Should I Start? James Conner or Jaylen Warren

Monday, September 22, 6:34 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (ankle) underwent season-ending surgery on Monday after suffering a significant right ankle injury in the third quarter of Sunday's game. Conner was carted off with his ankle immobilized, and head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed he won't return this season. With Conner sidelined, the Cardinals will turn to second-year back Trey Benson, who has been highly efficient, averaging 6.0 yards per carry (second among RBs). Gannon praised Benson before the season, noting he viewed both Conner and Benson as capable starters. Benson now projects as the lead option in Arizona's backfield, while Emari Demercado is expected to mix in behind him.

Tuesday, September 30, 7:04 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) was a surprise inactive before Week 4's win over the Minnesota Vikings. In his absence, Kenneth Gainwell exploded for 134 total yards and two touchdowns. Though Gainwell's performance could earn him more volume in the coming weeks, Warren was very effective as a pass-catcher through his first three games with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and should reclaim RB1 duties when he returns. The utilization of Darnell Washington in Pittsburgh's offense seemed to open up running lanes last week, so fantasy managers should be optimistic about Warren's potential going forward. The 26-year-old will now have the bye in Week 5 to get healthy ahead of a divisional bout with the stingy Cleveland Browns defense.