Who Should I Start? Kimani Vidal or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Saturday, December 6, 3:59 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal is about to face a major change in his workload after a strong performance last week, where he had 25 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders. The ground game was heavily relied on after quarterback Justin Herbert fractured his hand, but rookie Omarion Hampton (ankle) has been activated from IR and is expected to return this week, with Hassan Haskins (hamstring) also practicing. Vidal now must compete again in a crowded backfield. The matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles looks promising, as they are a middle-ranked rush defense that was just run over for 281 yards on the ground by the Chicago Bears, and the likely absence of defensive tackle Jalen Carter further helps Vidal's case. RotoBaller projects Vidal as RB34 for this week. Due to the uncertain workload split with Hampton's return, Vidal should be considered a risky low-end RB3, as he is not assured of the majority of carries he had last week.

Friday, December 5, 8:30 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (concussion) did not practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 14 contest this Sunday against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Thornton will miss at least one game with the concussion that he suffered in last Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The fourth-round pick out of Tennessee has had a forgettable first year in the league with eight catches on 25 targets (28% success rate) for 123 yards and no touchdowns in 11 games (seven starts). In his defense, the Raiders' offense has stalled more often than not, limiting his opportunities in a depth role. Thornton hasn't had more than one catch in a game this year since Sept. 21 against the Commanders. With Thornton out this weekend, it will give fellow rookie Jack Bech a chance for more playing time, although we aren't expecting much from him against the Broncos' stout defense.