Who Should I Start? Malik Davis or Jonathon Brooks

Friday, January 2, 4:57 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (calf, eye) has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants, according to The Athletic's Jon Machota. Javonte Williams (neck, shoulder) has also been ruled out, so rookie Jaydon Blue will see by far the most playing time he's had all season long to close things out. The 27-year-old Davis will finish his 2025 campaign on a high note after carrying the ball 20 times for 103 yards in the Christmas Day win over the Washington Commanders in Week 17. He took over around midseason as the No. 2 back behind Williams and never let go. Davis could be in line for an even bigger role in 2026 if the Cowboys don't re-sign Williams. Davis finishes his third NFL season with 250 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 52 rushing attempts, adding two receptions for 16 yards in 10 games played.

Monday, December 8, 12:54 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is exactly a year removed from tearing his right ACL for a second time, but he said that he feels "pretty much almost 100 percent again," according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Brooks is doing straight-line running and hopes to start mixing in full-speed cutting and route running soon. Barring a setback, he could return to the practice field in the spring for organized team activities (OTAs). The 22-year-old was the team's second-round pick back in 2024 out of Texas. Since his injury, the Panthers signed Rico Dowdle in free agency and took Trevor Etienne in the fourth round of this year's draft. Dowdle has been one of the best backs in the NFL this year and has formed a dangerous 1-2 punch in Carolina's backfield with Chuba Hubbard. Any expectations fantasy managers holding Brooks might have in dynasty/keeper leagues must be tempered by concerns of injury risk.