Who Should I Start? Julius Chestnut or Devin Neal

Saturday, October 4, 12:57 AM

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut could be headed for a reduced workload in Week 5 despite a favorable matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Chestnut has operated as a backup to Tony Pollard through the first four weeks of the season. While his usage has been relatively modest given that Pollard leads all NFL running backs in snap share, Chestnut has still been his backup and did see the field in every game, logging five total carries. That marginal usage could drop to no usage as soon as Tyjae Spears (ankle) returns to game action. Spears is currently on injured reserve but has been designated to return and is questionable for Week 5. Chestnut's already limited opportunity share would surely disappear entirely as soon as another reliable, proven player like Spears is added to the backfield. If Spears plays Sunday, Chestnut, 24, might not touch the ball. Even if he remains on IR, though, the Sacred Heart product is due for just a couple of touches and remains off the fantasy radar.

Tuesday, November 4, 4:18 PM

New Orleans Saints rookie running back Devin Neal has seen an uptick in snaps over the past two weeks with Kendre Miller (knee) out for the season. Neal played 39% of the snaps in the Saints' Week 9 loss at the Rams, handling three carries for 11 yards and catching one of four targets for one yard. The sixth-round rookie out of Kansas has now played a combined 49 snaps in Weeks 8 and 9, but has only seven total touches. Neal was also outcarried by Taysom Hill, who rushed for 30 yards on four carries. Veteran Alvin Kamara (ankle) was questionable heading into Sunday after being limited in practice all week, and he also saw a season-low seven touches. The Saints played from behind for the majority of this game, and it was disappointing to see Neal not be emphasized more. The rookie still feels like the best handcuff option in New Orleans, but it's a bleak offensive situation, and Hill will presumably stay involved. Neal can likely be left on waivers for Week 10.