Who Should I Start? Jonathan Taylor or Ty Chandler

Thursday, August 7, 7:19 PM

ESPN's Stephen Holder reports that Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (groin) are a few of the team's starters that will not be suiting up for Thursday's preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. In addition to Taylor and Pittman, DeForest Buckner, Braden Smith, Josh Downs, Bernhard Raimann and Grover Stewart will be on the sidelines. Pittman's fantasy stock is falling after he finished shy of 1,000 receiving yards with only three touchdowns in 2024 while battling through injuries. The Colts' QB situation isn't endearing, either, and Pittman will continue to battle for targets with emerging wideouts Downs and Adonai Mitchell. He's fallen to WR4/flex territory. For the volume alone with nobody to really challenge him for backfield touches in Indy, Taylor remains a top-10 fantasy RB.

Friday, January 10, 9:51 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler (illness) was listed as a non-participant for Friday's team practice. With the Vikings slated to square off with the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night, their first practice this week was on Thursday. The 26-year-old was a full participant to kick off the week but was tagged as a DNP the following day. Fortunately, he'll have a few more days to rest up before their road tilt at SoFi stadium. However, even if he plays, Chandler figures to serve as more of a reserve player behind backfield mates Aaron Jones (quad) and Cam Akers. Even if he's active, he won't be a recommended option, as the North Carolina product has participated on double-digit snaps just twice since Akers joined the team via trade in mid-October.