Who Should I Start? Jerick McKinnon or Rashaad Penny

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.

Tuesday, July 30, 11:14 AM

The Carolina Panthers have placed running back Rashaad Penny on the reserve/retired list. Penny, who joined the Panthers this offseason, was set to reunite with head coach Dave Canales, the passing game coordinator during Penny's standout 2021 season with the Seattle Seahawks, and Brad Idzik, now the Panthers' offensive coordinator. Unfortunately, a series of injuries including multiple strains, a torn ACL, and a fibula fracture have hindered Penny's once-explosive performance. Despite rigorous rehab, he struggled to regain the speed that made him a dynamic force in college. Penny's 5.6 yards per carry would be the highest in NFL history if he had sustained it. He also recorded 2,248 rushing yards at San Diego State in 2017, ranking fifth for a single season in NCAA history. The former first-round pick had stints with the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles before signing with the Panthers in May. Penny retires with 1,931 career rushing yards, 13 touchdowns on 348 carries, and 28 receptions for 227 yards.