Who Should I Start? Miles Sanders or Jerick McKinnon

Sunday, January 7, 5:29 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders carried the ball three times for 18 yards and was not targeted in a 9-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18. It marks a fitting end for a disappointing season for Sanders, who was signed to a four-year, $25.4 million contract last offseason but lost his job to Chuba Hubbard halfway through the year. He has a dead cap value of $11 million so he's likely to be back with the Panthers in 2024, although in what capacity remains to be seen.

Wednesday, January 10, 12:32 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (hernia, pelvis) was on crutches on Tuesday in his first day back at the team's facility following sports-hernia surgery on Jan. 2, which was performed by Dr. Williams Meyers. In addition to a sports hernia, McKinnon fractured his pelvis. It all means that McKinnon is doubtful to return for the postseason, even if the Chiefs make another run to the Super Bowl this year. The 31-year-old is eligible for free agency in March but has expressed interest in returning to Kansas City. McKinnon missed the final three games of the regular season and finished 2023 with just 21 carries for 60 yards and one touchdown while adding 25 receptions for 192 yards and four touchdowns through the air in 12 games played. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will have a bigger role as the No. 2 in KC's backfield behind Isiah Pacheco now that McKinnon is out.