Who Should I Start? James Conner or Tyler Shough

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.

Sunday, August 17, 4:34 PM

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough started the first half of Sunday's preseason 17-17 tie against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He went 9-of-12 for 66 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The offense struggled to get going early, managing just three points across four drives with Shough under center, including two three-and-outs. Once expected to be the frontrunner for the Saints' Week 1 starting job, his inability to consistently move the ball, even with starting receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed on the field, combined with Spencer Rattler's solid performance, suggests momentum may be shifting against him. Shough remains a player to monitor, but he should stay off fantasy radars outside superflex or dynasty leagues.