Who Should I Start? Miles Sanders or D'Ernest Johnson

Thursday, February 20, 10:48 AM

Running back Miles Sanders signed a four-year, $25.4 million deal with the Carolina Panthers before the 2023 season, but his biggest supporters, head coach Frank Reich and assistant coach Duce Staley, were fired 11 games into that season. Sanders then took on a backup role behind Chuba Hubbard. The Athletic's Joseph Person writes that the Panthers will create $5.23 million in salary cap space this year by cutting Sanders. Jonathon Brooks is expected to miss the entire 2025 season after a second ACL surgery, but Carolina should be able to find cheaper RB options than Sanders to serve in a backup role to Hubbard. The 27-year-old was a first-time Pro Bowler in his final season with the Eagles in 2022, but he was not the same back in Carolina, averaging only 3.5 yards per carry while racking up 637 rushing yards and only three touchdowns on 184 rushing attempts in 27 games (seven starts).

Sunday, December 1, 11:43 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 13, leaving rookie Keilan Robinson in line to make his NFL debut as the team's No. 3 running back. Robinson, a rookie out of the University of Texas, was activated from injured reserve last week. Although he is suiting up for his first time as a Jaguar, Robinson could have trouble earning snaps behind Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby. On the other hand, Johnson's de-activation comes as a bit of a surprise. He had been a valuable contributor in his depth role, totaling 117 rushing yards and 77 receiving yards through 11 games.