Who Should I Start? Jerick McKinnon or Terry McLaurin

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.

Sunday, January 7, 8:31 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin caught six of eight targets for 56 yards during Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Another year, another what-if season for McLaurin. Although the fifth-year receiver had his fourth-straight 1,000-yard season, middling quarterback play still held him back for most of the year. Nothing exemplified this more than quarterback Sam Howell underthrowing a wide-open McLaurin for what would've been a 51-yard touchdown on Washington's first possession of Week 18. There is light at the end of the tunnel for this offense, as the Commanders are locked into the second pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. If the team selects one of the blue-chip quarterback prospects, McLaurin's fortunes could finally take a turn for the better next season.