Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or Zach Charbonnet

Friday, August 9, 10:24 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell took four carries for 23 yards and was the first back on the field with the second-string unit against the Baltimore Ravens Friday night. Rookie Will Shipley soon came in to take over for the 25-year-old but was not nearly as efficient on his seven carries. Shipley was able to find the end zone at the end of the first quarter, catching a seven-yard pass from quarterback Kenny Pickett. Gainwell seems to have the inside track on the No. 2 job behind Saquon Barkley, but Shipley is proving that he can carve out his own role in the passing game and has been paired with Gainwell for kickoff returns.

Friday, October 4, 1:27 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet finds himself in a secondary role to Kenneth Walker III (oblique) once again. Upon Walker's return from injury in Week 5, Charbonnet was out-touched 16 to seven. With their actions, the Seahawks have made it clear that they heavily prefer Walker over Charbonnet. Charbonnet did see a 42% snap share to Walker's 59%. However, the Seahawks clearly would like Walker to have the ball in his hands over Charbonnet. What is more, five of Charbonnet's touches in Week 4 were receptions on a day in which quarterback Geno Smith threw the ball 56 times. That type of volume will not be available to Charbonnet in every game. He is worth a roster spot, but he is merely a hand cuff for Walker until proven otherwise.