Who Should I Start? Miles Sanders or Jaleel McLaughlin

Saturday, August 16, 11:07 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders rushed for 15 yards on seven attempts during Saturday's preseason loss against the Baltimore Ravens. He was not targeted in the passing game. The veteran earned snaps in both the first and second quarters, but he was largely inefficient. Only two of his rushes went for more than three yards, and he averaged just 2.1 yards per carry. This is a concerning sign as the Cowboys continue to evaluate their running back room prior to officially naming a starter. Sanders is competing with veteran Javonte Williams, the early favorite for the lead-back role after not playing Saturday, and rookie Jaydon Blue (heel), who is dealing with an injury. Sanders is nothing more than a late-round dart throw who can be dropped if he doesn't produce in Week 1.

Sunday, August 17, 11:31 AM

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin put his best foot forward in Saturday's preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals in his attempt to win a 53-man roster spot. In the 27-7 win over Arizona in the second preseason game, McLaughlin had only three carries, but it was enough to lead the team in rushing with 48 yards. The 24-year-old's second rushing attempt of the contest went for a game-high 35 yards. McLaughlin entered the game after both rookie RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie, suggesting he's the RB4 on the current depth chart going into the final week of the preseason. He's been an effective complementary option in his two years in the NFL, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, but the additions of Harvey and J.K. Dobbins in the offseason made things even more difficult for McLaughlin to have a sizeable role in 2025.