Who Should I Start? Jerick McKinnon or Chuba Hubbard

Wednesday, January 10, 12:32 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (hernia, pelvis) was on crutches on Tuesday in his first day back at the team's facility following sports-hernia surgery on Jan. 2, which was performed by Dr. Williams Meyers. In addition to a sports hernia, McKinnon fractured his pelvis. It all means that McKinnon is doubtful to return for the postseason, even if the Chiefs make another run to the Super Bowl this year. The 31-year-old is eligible for free agency in March but has expressed interest in returning to Kansas City. McKinnon missed the final three games of the regular season and finished 2023 with just 21 carries for 60 yards and one touchdown while adding 25 receptions for 192 yards and four touchdowns through the air in 12 games played. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will have a bigger role as the No. 2 in KC's backfield behind Isiah Pacheco now that McKinnon is out.

Sunday, January 7, 5:22 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard carried the ball 23 times for 83 yards and added two catches for nine yards in a 9-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18. Hubbard easily led the team in rushing in the regular-season finale as Miles Sanders saw just three touches in the loss. Hubbard ultimately turned in a successful season as he wrestled the starting role away from Sanders mid-season and never looked back. His role heading into next season remains up in the air, however, as the Panthers are likely to have a new head coach and general manager in place.