Who Should I Start? Kennedy Brooks or Israel Abanikanda

Friday, August 18, 10:35 AM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Kennedy Brooks took seven carries for 26 yards and caught his lone target for a 4-yard gain during the team's 18-18 preseason tie with the Cleveland Browns. Brooks did not see the field until the second half but ended up leading the team in total carries by the end of the night. The 24-year-old floated around the Eagles practice squad last season but has little to no chance of making the final 53-man roster, especially after a less than stellar showing against the Cleveland third-string defense. With the Eagles running back room packed by the likes of Rashaad Penny, D'Andre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell, Trey Sermon, and Boston Scott, Brooks will be lucky to land on the Philadelphia practice squad by the time the regular season kicks off. He should see some run during the Eagles' final preseason game next Thursday.

Friday, December 29, 12:25 PM

New York Jets rookie running back Israel Abanikanda has seemingly leapfrogged Dalvin Cook as the No. 2 back behind Breece Hall with the team playing out the string of another lost season in 2023. Abanikanda carried the ball twice for three yards and caught a season-high four passes on seven targets for 27 yards in Thursday night's 37-20 loss to the visiting Cleveland Browns. The 21-year-old rookie also lost a fumble on a kickoff return in the first half. Abanikanda saw a career-high nine carries in last week's win over the Washington Commanders and should be more involved behind Hall in the team's Week 18 regular season finale against the New England Patriots on Jan. 7. He figures to be more involved in a complementary role in 2024 and should be stashed in dynasty/keeper leagues.