Who Should I Start? Kimani Vidal or Trevor Etienne

Wednesday, October 8, 9:17 AM

Los Angeles Chargers second-year running back out of Troy University, Kimani Vidal, is expected to step up in Week 6 after Omarion Hampton (ankle) was placed on injured reserve over the past week, and (Vidal) offers flex appeal as the Chargers travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins, who rank in the bottom five against opposing running backs in fantasy football. Vidal will likely be in a timeshare with fourth-year running back Hassan Haskins, who played at Michigan, where head coach Jim Harbaugh coached. Reports have yet to suggest that either running back will get the full workload, but based on past usage, Vidal is the younger, more pass-catching, third-down back, while Haskins should see carries on early downs. With how pass-happy the Chargers have been in 2025, throwing 62.58% of the time, in PPR leagues, Vidal should see four to six targets in the pass game, along with five to 10 carries, offering him some flex appeal in Week 6.

Monday, October 6, 12:26 PM

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Trevor Etienne was in line for a bigger workload in Week 5 against the visiting Miami Dolphins on Sunday with starter Chuba Hubbard (calf) ruled out due to injury. Etienne did play a season-high 20% of the offensive snaps in the 27-24 victory, but he only handled five touches (four carries and one reception), while Rico Dowdle had a career day with 23 rushing attempts for 206 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle also caught three of his four targets for 28 yards in the passing game. Etienne ran for 22 yards on his four carries and picked up seven yards on his lone reception against Miami. The 21-year-old could be right back to RB3 duties in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys if Hubbard is able to overcome his calf injury and get back on the field at practice this week. Even if Hubbard misses another game, Etienne isn't going to be in play as a starting flex option in fantasy lineups on Sunday.