Who Should I Start? Jonathan Ward or Chase Brown

Thursday, June 19, 3:13 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran running back Jonathan Ward on Thursday, the team announced on X. After signing with the organization last offseason, Ward spent the 2024 campaign rotating between the active roster and the practice squad. He appeared in four contests, totaling five carries for 22 yards. The undrafted free agent in 2020 out of Central Michigan has spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Steelers during his five-year NFL career, compiling 91 rushing yards and 52 receiving yards with one total touchdown. The 27-year-old could find his way on an active roster for another team, but he'll likely have to make his mark on special teams.

Saturday, December 6, 4:12 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown is coming off a strong showing, finishing with 15 attempts for 78 yards in the Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. With Tee Higgins (concussion) sidelined for that one, Brown was more involved on the receiving end, catching all seven targets for 35 yards. Samaje Perine was more included than usual on the offensive end, amassing 39 yards off 14 carries. However, he averaged an ugly 2.8 yards per carry. Higgins' return for Sunday's meeting with the Buffalo Bills could mean Brown won't see as many receiving opportunities, although that still may not matter, considering he is usually involved as a pass-catcher. With that said, Perine's uptick in work in Week 13 isn't a reason to panic. Fantasy managers should keep Brown rolling in any format, with a slight bump for those starting him in PPR setups.