Who Should I Start? Jerick McKinnon or Zach Charbonnet

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, 4:53 AM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet had his most productive game in weeks in Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals. The rookie took five rushing attempts 32 yards and caught both of his targets for 28 receiving yards. His receptions late in the fourth quarter advanced the Seahawks into Cardinals' territory, setting up Geno Smith's 34-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Lockett. The selection of Charbonnet in the second round of the 2023 draft sparked a debate that he might contend for the starting role but he was firmly in the backseat behind second-year running back Kenneth Walker III. It will be hard to predict what the depth chart will look like in 2024, but Charbonnet can be expected to hang on to his role as the passing down back at the least. Charbonnet's first season ends with 462 rushing yards and one touchdown gained on 108 carries and 209 receiving yards on 33 catches.