Who Should I Start? Jerick McKinnon or Deebo Samuel

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.

Saturday, September 14, 2:44 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is in Minnesota as the team prepares for a Week 2 matchup versus the Vikings. The former South Carolina Gamecock fulfilled expectations and then some in Week 1 against the New York Jets. He finished the game with five receptions on nine targets for 54 yards through the air to go with eight carries for 23 yards and a touchdown on the ground. It's reasonable to expect similar usage in the running game, given running back Christian McCaffrey's continued absence and San Francisco's success with their approach last week. The similarities may stop with the passing game though, as 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk was playing in his first game action after sitting out the preseason, so the window for Samuel Sr. to take target advantage of Aiyuk's lack of football readiness may be closing. Minnesota's pass defense tamped down the fantasy performances of all New York Giants involved last week, but it's also possible New York's offense is just inept against everybody. Last year's Vikings defense was sixth-worst in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers in half-PPR. Samuel Sr. is a locked-and-loaded WR1 in Week 2.