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

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.

Sunday, November 23, 8:53 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. rushed for 86 yards on 15 carries during Sunday's Week 12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He also caught three of his four targets for 30 receiving yards and a touchdown. After a bit of a lull earlier in the season, Etienne has bounced back as a highly effective RB1 in fantasy football ever since his bye week. In four games since the bye, he has 301 rushing yards, 80 receiving yards, and four touchdowns while ranking as the overall RB6 in PPR leagues during that span. Unlike last week, Etienne was able to fend off a strong game from backfield-mate Bhayshul Tuten this Sunday. It appears as though Etienne still has a firm grasp on the lead-back role in Jacksonville, keeping him in the top-10 range for next week's matchup against a struggling Tennessee Titans run defense.