Who Should I Start? James Conner or Quinshon Judkins

Thursday, May 29, 1:04 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) took part in voluntary organized team activities on Wednesday. "I'm ready," Conner said. "We ain't doing this forever." Conner injured his right knee in Week 16 of last year and had six touches before being pulled in Week 17. The Cardinals placed him on Injured Reserve for the Week 18 regular-season finale, but the 30-year-old veteran appears to be fine now and ready to go for the start of the 2025 season this fall. He racked up a career-high 1,518 scrimmage yards on 236 carries while catching 47 of 55 targets in 2024. It was the healthiest Conner had been in his career, so fantasy managers definitely should expect some more missed time given his age and physical running style. For now, he's still being considered a workhorse back in Arizona, but more injuries could give Trey Benson more of a role eventually.

Tuesday, July 29, 2:33 PM

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said he is "cautiously optimistic" that rookie running back Quinshon Judkins will play for the Browns this season, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Judkins was arrested on domestic violence charges earlier in July and remains unsigned as a result. The Browns drafted Judkins in the second round out of Ohio State, where he collected over 1,200 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns in 2024. He had been expected to compete with veteran Jerome Ford and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson for backfield touches in Cleveland, but Judkins could be facing missed time due to suspension as a result of his off-field issues. Until there's more clarity around Judkins' legal situation, fantasy managers in re-draft leagues should proceed with caution.