Who Should I Start? Miles Sanders or MarShawn Lloyd

Sunday, October 5, 12:04 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders (ankle, knee) is officially inactive for the Week 5 game on the road against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Sanders came into this game listed as questionable despite not being able to practice all week. With the 28-year-old out of action for the first time this season, rookie Jaydon Blue will suit up for his NFL debut as the backup behind starter Javonte Williams. Although the fifth-round rookie might be eased into the offense in his first regular-season game, Blue is worth stashing in deeper leagues for his upside the rest of the season. It's unclear if Sanders will be able to return in Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers. In addition to Blue, Hunter Luepke could have a bigger role in Dallas' backfield on Sunday behind Williams.

Wednesday, September 17, 2:48 PM

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) remains on Injured Reserve but is eligible to return in Week 6 against a vulnerable Bengals defense. The Packers' backfield has leaned heavily on Josh Jacobs, who has accounted for 42 of the team's 55 rushing attempts through two games. That kind of workload will be difficult to sustain, and the lack of usage for reserves Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson--each with just one carry--suggests the coaching staff isn't comfortable leaning on them in meaningful situations. Lloyd's eventual return could provide Green Bay with a much-needed spark, as his speed and big-play ability were evident during the preseason. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor Lloyd's progress, as he could quickly carve out a change-of-pace role and potentially spell Jacobs to keep him fresh.