Who Should I Start? Jerome Ford or Tyjae Spears

Saturday, July 26, 1:30 PM

The Athletic's Zac Jackson reports that Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (undisclosed) remains sidelined at training camp on Saturday. The Browns are giving the players a day off on Sunday before practicing in pads for the first time on Monday. Ford is reportedly dealing with a minor undisclosed injury, but it remains to be seen if he'll return to the field on Monday. All indications are that the 25-year-old will be back soon. Ford's status is even more important because rookie second-rounder Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned as he deals with domestic-violence charges that could lead to a suspension to begin his NFL career. With Judkins' status up in the air, Ford and rookie Dylan Sampson both are more intriguing for fantasy purposes, although Judkins could still end up being Cleveland's lead back by the end of 2025.

Wednesday, June 18, 3:04 PM

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has impressed this offseason, according to team writer Jim Wyatt. "Spears looked explosive on the field this offseason, when he got plenty of work," Wyatt wrote. "While Tony Pollard got the bulk of the work last fall, Spears showed flashes at different times. If he can stay healthy, he seems poised to be a consistent playmaker in 2025." The 2023 third-round pick out of Tulane struggled to stay healthy last season, missing five games due to multiple injuries. Overall, he tallied 84 rushing attempts for 312 yards and four scores to go with 30 receptions for 224 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in 12 games. Titans head coach Brian Callahan has hinted at more of a split backfield in 2025, and the team could opt to use the "hot hand" approach. Fantasy managers should not rely on Spears as an RB2, RB3, or flex option to begin next year's campaign, but he's an intriguing handcuff stash and late-round draft dart throw in most formats. If No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward exceeds expectations in Year 1, the Tennessee offense could have more upside than suggested by the cost of the Titans' players in fantasy drafts.