Who Should I Start? Jerick McKinnon or Najee Harris

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, April 28, 11:53 PM

While nothing is set in stone right now, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that the team plans to deploy a booming 1-2 punch with rookie running back Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris in 2025. True to the Harbaugh mentality, the Bolts plan to line up and run the ball with Hampton and Harris, who are both big and powerful backs. Harbaugh raved about Hampton's ability to break tackles -- According to Pro Football Focus, 2,505 of his career rushing yards at North Carolina came after contact. At No. 22 overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft last Thursday, Hampton was a "unanimous" decision for the Chargers. Hampton averaged 5.9 yards per carry in each of his last two seasons with the Tar Heels and was a true workhorse. While his fantasy upside will be limited while sharing the backfield with Harris in 2025, Hampton's long-term fantasy upside in Harbaugh's system has to excite those in dynasty formats.