Who Should I Start? Jonathon Brooks or Josh Williams

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.

Tuesday, November 11, 4:19 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Josh Williams has been suspended without pay for violating the NFL's Performance Enhancing Substance Policy, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Williams is eligible for reinstatement on December 16, which will come after Tampa Bay's Week 16 divisional matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Williams is an undrafted rookie out of LSU who has only appeared in three games this season, mostly as a special teamer. The 25-year-old has just eight offensive snaps in the three games, recording four carries for 11 yards in Tampa Bay's Week 8 blowout win over the Saints.