Who Should I Start? Jeremy McNichols or Rashaad Penny

Tuesday, October 28, 9:20 AM

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols only had one carry for four yards against the Chiefs in Week 8, but he had a strong game as a receiver out of the backfield. He actually led the team in catches, targets, and receiving yards, hauling in five of his six targets for 64 yards. Marcus Mariota wasn't able to get much going, especially in the second half, so the team will hope to have Jayden Daniels (hamstring) back next week against the Seahawks. McNichols remains in a backfield committee with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr., but for now, it looks like he's the preferred passing-down option. He played 42% of snaps since the Commanders were trying to rally. Next week, he'll be a high-risk flex play against the Seahawks, getting a boost if Mariota has to start again since the two have such a strong connection.

Tuesday, July 30, 11:14 AM

The Carolina Panthers have placed running back Rashaad Penny on the reserve/retired list. Penny, who joined the Panthers this offseason, was set to reunite with head coach Dave Canales, the passing game coordinator during Penny's standout 2021 season with the Seattle Seahawks, and Brad Idzik, now the Panthers' offensive coordinator. Unfortunately, a series of injuries including multiple strains, a torn ACL, and a fibula fracture have hindered Penny's once-explosive performance. Despite rigorous rehab, he struggled to regain the speed that made him a dynamic force in college. Penny's 5.6 yards per carry would be the highest in NFL history if he had sustained it. He also recorded 2,248 rushing yards at San Diego State in 2017, ranking fifth for a single season in NCAA history. The former first-round pick had stints with the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles before signing with the Panthers in May. Penny retires with 1,931 career rushing yards, 13 touchdowns on 348 carries, and 28 receptions for 227 yards.