Who Should I Start? Jonathon Brooks or Jawhar Jordan

Monday, December 8, 12:54 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is exactly a year removed from tearing his right ACL for a second time, but he said that he feels "pretty much almost 100 percent again," according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Brooks is doing straight-line running and hopes to start mixing in full-speed cutting and route running soon. Barring a setback, he could return to the practice field in the spring for organized team activities (OTAs). The 22-year-old was the team's second-round pick back in 2024 out of Texas. Since his injury, the Panthers signed Rico Dowdle in free agency and took Trevor Etienne in the fourth round of this year's draft. Dowdle has been one of the best backs in the NFL this year and has formed a dangerous 1-2 punch in Carolina's backfield with Chuba Hubbard. Any expectations fantasy managers holding Brooks might have in dynasty/keeper leagues must be tempered by concerns of injury risk.

Friday, December 26, 8:34 AM

Houston Texans running back Jawhar Jordan has impressed the last two weeks, but he's high-risk this week since his role is uncertain as his team visits the Chargers on Saturday afternoon. The 26-year-old broke out in his NFL debut in Week 15, taking 15 carries for 101 yards against the Cardinals. He followed that up last week with 15 more carries but only for 53 yards, but he saved his fantasy day with five catches for 17 more yards. Both of those big games came after Woody Marks (ankle) left with an injury, but Marks is ready to return this week. Jordan and Nick Chubb will likely continue to mix in for the Texans, but Marks was the primary running back before his injury and will likely resume that role moving forward. The Chargers have been good against the run this season, and Jordan is only the No. 52 RB in RotoBaller's Week 17 rankings. He's a desperation play who should still be involved, but he's best left on your bench this week if possible.