Who Should I Start? Kareem Hunt or Jerick McKinnon

Tuesday, January 30, 8:42 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (hernia) recently had sports-hernia surgery to fix a ruptured adductor, according to sources. Hunt played in 15 games in his fifth year with the Browns in 2023, but he was listed on the injury report often with a groin injury and averaged a career-low 3.0 yards per carry on 135 attempts for 411 rushing yards and a career-high nine rushing TDs in the regular season. He added a career-low 15 receptions for 84 yards through the air. The 28-year-old's lower numbers now make more sense, but he still had plenty of fantasy appeal as a flex play because of his red-zone usage and nose for the end zone. Hunt could be more effective with better health in 2024, but he's also scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. His fantasy appeal will depend on where he lands, and there's a good chance it won't be in Cleveland.

Wednesday, January 10, 12:32 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (hernia, pelvis) was on crutches on Tuesday in his first day back at the team's facility following sports-hernia surgery on Jan. 2, which was performed by Dr. Williams Meyers. In addition to a sports hernia, McKinnon fractured his pelvis. It all means that McKinnon is doubtful to return for the postseason, even if the Chiefs make another run to the Super Bowl this year. The 31-year-old is eligible for free agency in March but has expressed interest in returning to Kansas City. McKinnon missed the final three games of the regular season and finished 2023 with just 21 carries for 60 yards and one touchdown while adding 25 receptions for 192 yards and four touchdowns through the air in 12 games played. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will have a bigger role as the No. 2 in KC's backfield behind Isiah Pacheco now that McKinnon is out.