Who Should I Start? Jerick McKinnon or James Robinson

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.

Monday, January 8, 6:23 PM

The New Orleans Saints signed free-agent veteran running back James Robinson to a futures deal on Monday. The move to keep Robinson around heading into the 2024 season comes after he was added to New Orleans' practice squad in early December. The 25-year-old was brought in to provide running back depth behind Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams and rookie Kendre Miller, who missed Weeks 10-17 with an ankle sprain. Before landing a deal with the Saints, Robinson spent time with the Green Bay Packers' practice squad and was active in Week 13, only to see one carry for two yards while catching one pass for a loss of two yards against the Kansas City Chiefs. The former undrafted rookie free agent had a 1,000-yard season in his rookie year in 2020 with the Jacksonville Jaguars out of nowhere but hasn't been the same since and has been passed around the league as RB depth.