Who Should I Start? Jordan Mason or Omarion Hampton

Tuesday, November 4, 6:30 PM

Though Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) left Sunday's win at Detroit, the team does not believe the injury is serious, which could mean a changing role for fellow running back Jordan Mason. The first-year Viking held down the backfield in Jones' absence with a hamstring injury, but Jones was the more effective of the two options against Detroit by gaining 42 more yards on one fewer carry. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said the team found "an element of play style and physicality" that it had been lacking, and Jones was the main benefactor. Additionally, Mason probably hasn't helped his cause with a few bad pass-blocking reps that contributed to sacks during the past two weeks. Minnesota may opt to ride the hot hand at running back every week, which can be tricky from a fantasy perspective. But if the Vikings aim to recreate their successful Week 9 game plan, Jones may feature more than Mason in the weeks to come.

Monday, November 3, 5:34 PM

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that he doesn't think the team will open the 21-day practice window for rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) until after their Week 12 bye, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. The 22-year-old rookie is eligible to return to practice this week as the club prepares to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football, but Hampton will not be on the practice field and isn't going to be eligible to return to action until Week 13 against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 30. Fantasy managers must continue to be patient and keep Hampton stashed, as he should take over RB1 duties in the backfield again when he's healthy. In the meantime, Kimani Vidal will continue to see most of the backfield touches for the Bolts, making him at least an RB3/flex option until Hampton is cleared to return from Injured Reserve.