Who Should I Start? Jaret Patterson or Cody Schrader

Monday, October 27, 6:48 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson was elevated from the practice squad for Thursday night's 37-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings and served as the primary backup to Kimani Vidal. Patterson ran the ball 11 times for 30 yards (2.7 YPC), showing effort but little ability to break tackles. The Chargers ran the ball 43 times overall, relying heavily on Vidal as they controlled the game. With Hassan Haskins (hamstring) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) sidelined and Nyheim Hines seeing limited snaps, Patterson may get another opportunity in Week 9 against a struggling Tennessee Titans defense. Patterson's value depends on whether he's elevated again, as the team will need to make a roster decision soon with multiple injured backs. The 25-year-old played college football for the Buffalo Bulls before signing with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He rushed for 1,072 yards in just six games with the Bulls and had a 409-yard, eight-touchdown game against Kent State during his junior year.

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.