Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Kaleb Johnson

Tuesday, July 22, 7:10 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams good a lot of work with the first-team offense at training camp practice on Tuesday, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Williams signed a one-year deal with Dallas in free agency this offseason and is expected to share backfield duties in 2025 with Miles Sanders. The Cowboys also drafted Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, but they probably have a ways to go before threatening either Williams or Sanders for serious playing time in 2025. Williams, who was a second-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2021 out of North Carolina, impressed with 903 rushing yards in his first season, but he hasn't been the same tackle-breaking RB since tearing his ACL in his sophomore season in 2022. He should be the favorite to lead Dallas' backfield in touches, but for fantasy purposes, he's merely an RB3/flex target.

Sunday, August 10, 12:43 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson turned eight carries into 20 rushing yards and hauled in one of two targets for six receiving yards in a 31-25 preseason win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The rookie handled RB1 duties for Pittsburgh in the first half before he was eventually replaced by Trey Sermon, Evan Hull, and Lew Nichols. Although Johnson could not find much room to operate on Saturday, he notably ran through the arms of a diving Travis Hunter for a seven-yard gain early in the second quarter. The fact that veteran Jaylen Warren was inactive confirms his standing as the Steelers' featured back, meaning Johnson will need to earn playing time early in the regular season. His next opportunity to showcase his talents will come against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week.