Who Should I Start? James Conner or Travis Etienne Jr.

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.

Monday, August 4, 7:10 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby are listed as co-starters on the team's first unofficial depth chart this week. Etienne and Bigsby have shared first-team reps during training camp so far this summer, so this doesn't come as much of a surprise. Bigsby is expected to handle most of the physical work between the tackles in 2025, while Etienne is being seen as a dangerous component as part of new head coach Liam Coen's screen game. Meanwhile, rookie Bhayshul Tuten is a speed threat with lots of home run ability. Even rookie LeQuint Allen Jr. could have a role in Jacksonville's backfield this year as a pass-catching option. After Bigsby looked like the more explosive back in 2024, Etienne's fantasy value has dropped to RB3/flex levels, with him being more attractive now in PPR formats.