Who Should I Start? James Conner or Jonathon Brooks

Monday, October 14, 10:48 AM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner ran the ball just seven times for 24 yards in Sunday's disappointing 34-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Cardinals fell behind early and shifted to a pass-first game plan, diminishing Conner's role, though he did catch four passes for 22 yards. The Cardinals didn't adjust well to the weather and struggled to move the ball. Conner also dealt with ankle issues, although he was never on the injury report. With Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) going down with a concussion, the Cardinals could rely more on the rushing attack in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and fantasy managers should still trust Conner for that matchup.

Thursday, October 17, 2:55 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) did not practice on Thursday following his limited practice session on Wednesday. The rookie out of Texas had his practice window opened this week, but the belief is he will not make his NFL debut on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Brooks is coming off a torn ACL, and with the Panthers sitting a 1-5 through Week 6, there's no reason to rush him into action. Additionally, Chuba Hubbard has been excellent in the RB1 role, so the team isn't in dire need of running back production. Fantasy managers should follow his status through the rest of the week, but a Week 8 or Week 9 return seems more realistic for the first RB taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.