Who Should I Start? Jaret Patterson or Cody Schrader

Monday, December 1, 6:41 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson carried the ball 11 times for 54 yards and a touchdown in the team's 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. After being signed to the active roster early last week, Patterson served as the primary back behind Kimani Vidal as the Chargers totaled 192 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Patterson looked decisive and scored his first rushing touchdown of the season as the offense relied heavily on the ground game following Justin Herbert's hand injury. Looking ahead, rookie Omarion Hampton's return from IR is imminent after his 21-day practice window opened last week, which would move Patterson behind Hampton and Vidal. Next Monday night, the Bolts face a Philadelphia Eagles defense that has recently been vulnerable against the run. However, Patterson's fantasy value depends entirely on Hampton's availability in Week 14. If Hampton returns, Patterson might not even see the field. If he doesn't, Patterson will remain a depth piece with a few change-of-pace carries.

Saturday, August 16, 11:48 PM

Los Angeles Rams running back Cody Schrader rushed for 48 yards on 13 carries during Saturday's preseason win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He also caught two of his three targets for an additional 24 receiving yards. Through two preseason games, Schrader has a total of 140 yards. The Missouri product entered this preseason on the outside looking in. He still faces an uphill battle to make the team, as Kyren Williams, Jarquez Hunter, and Blake Corum are essentially roster locks. However, if Los Angeles opts to carry four running backs, Schrader has made a case for himself over Ronnie Rivers. Regardless of Los Angeles' final roster decisions, Schrader will be several rungs away from an impactful role. He should be left on waivers in all fantasy leagues.