Who Should I Start? Jonathan Ward or Pierre Strong Jr.

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, October 18, 2:51 PM

The Green Bay Packers have elevated running back Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad for the team's Week 7 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Packers RB1 Josh Jacobs (calf) practiced in full on Friday, but is officially listed as questionable to play in Week 7 due to a calf injury. If Jacobs were to be sidelined, Green Bay would likely split backfield work between Emanuel Wilson, Chris Brooks, and Strong Jr. Wilson has rushed for 671 yards and four touchdowns on 135 carries across 29 career games for the Packers and has served as the team's primary RB2 so far this season. While Jacobs should still be expected to play, fantasy managers might be wise to scoop up Wilson in leagues where that's still possible, just in case Jacobs is a late scratch.