Who Should I Start? Jerick McKinnon or Nyheim Hines

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, October 11, 8:37 PM

According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, the Los Angeles Chargers elevated Nyheim Hines off the practice squad ahead of the Week 6 meeting with the Miami Dolphins, marking his first taste of regular-season action since 2022. Najee Harris (Achilles) is done for the rest of the season, and Omarion Hampton (ankle) will miss at least the next four contests. As a result, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal are expected to split carries out of the backfield, presumably leaving Hines with the leftover scraps. It's unknown how long Hines will suit up for the Bolts moving ahead, especially if the team brings in another running back sometime soon. Either way, Haskins, Vidal, and Hines won't be relevant from a fantasy standpoint once Hampton is cleared to return.