Who Should I Start? Julius Chestnut or Jaleel McLaughlin

Saturday, August 23, 9:02 AM

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut got the start in his team's final preseason game on Friday night against the Minnesota Vikings and rushed for 28 yards and a touchdown on five carries. The 24-year-old played in 17 games for the Titans in 2024, recording 22 carries for 102 yards. With Tyjae Spears (ankle) currently sidelined, Chestnut could have an opportunity to open the season as the RB2 in Tennessee behind Tony Pollard. Sixth-round rookie Kalel Mullings figures to be Chestnut's biggest competition, so it could be telling that it was Chestnut who played the opening drive against the Vikings on Friday.

Sunday, August 17, 11:31 AM

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin put his best foot forward in Saturday's preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals in his attempt to win a 53-man roster spot. In the 27-7 win over Arizona in the second preseason game, McLaughlin had only three carries, but it was enough to lead the team in rushing with 48 yards. The 24-year-old's second rushing attempt of the contest went for a game-high 35 yards. McLaughlin entered the game after both rookie RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie, suggesting he's the RB4 on the current depth chart going into the final week of the preseason. He's been an effective complementary option in his two years in the NFL, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, but the additions of Harvey and J.K. Dobbins in the offseason made things even more difficult for McLaughlin to have a sizeable role in 2025.