Who Should I Start? Jonathan Ward or Jordan Mason

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.

Friday, November 7, 6:14 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason faces a friendly matchup against a Baltimore Ravens team that has struggled to stop the run for large portions of the year, but it remains to be seen how the Vikings will allocate carries in their backfield in Week 10. Fellow running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder, toe) left last week's game and is questionable to play against the Ravens, which offers a range of possibilities for Mason. Jones was the more effective option last week in a key victory against Detroit, and though Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell has expressed optimism about Jones playing this week, Mason would be the featured option if Jones were to miss the game. The Vikings have ridden the hot hand when both backs have been available, which can be challenging to predict for fantasy purposes. But with Mason facing a good matchup and still getting a reasonable amount of work alongside Jones, he's a playable RB3/flex option in most formats.