Who Should I Start? James Conner or Kenneth Gainwell

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.

Friday, October 31, 11:14 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has been all but an afterthought in the team's rushing attack since the return of backfield mate Jaylen Warren in Week 6. Warren missed a game earlier in the season with a knee injury, in which Gainwell erupted for 134 total yards and two rushing scores. However, following Pittsburgh's Week 5 bye, the latter has taken a backseat in terms of playing time and touch share. With the way things have been, fantasy managers can't trust the University of Memphis product to provide standalone value. While Gainwell would handle a majority of the work in the event Warren were to miss more time, he's presently better relegated to handcuff duties.