Who Should I Start? Jerick McKinnon or Zack Moss

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, March 11, 11:03 PM

According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, the Bengals and free-agent running back Zack Moss agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal. Cincinnati released Joe Mixon on Monday night, so it didn't take the team long to fill the void in the backfield. Moss is coming off his best year since being drafted in 2020, showcasing his talents while filling in for the oft-injured Jonathan Taylor. In 14 regular season appearances, he finished with 794 yards off 183 touches to the tune of 4.3 yards per carry. The 26-year-old also caught 27 passes for 192 yards while totaling seven touchdowns (five rushing, two receiving). It's reasonable to assume Moss will get the bulk of the work in Cincinnati. But the Bengals have a few up-and-coming options, notably Chase Brown, who could compete for routine snaps heading into the 2024-25 campaign. That said, Moss should benefit from playing alongside Joe Burrow (wrist), Ja'Marr Chase, and potentially Tee Higgins, assuming he is the No.1 option on the depth chart by the end of training camp.