Who Should I Start? Najee Harris or Chuba Hubbard

Monday, February 23, 10:06 AM

Los Angeles Chargers impending free-agent running back Najee Harris (Achilles) is "looking outstanding" five months after having surgery for a torn Achilles tendon and is "running with ease" at 15 mph on an Alter-G treadmill, according to his agent, Doug Hendrickson. Harris' first season with the Chargers came to an end when he tore his Achilles in Week 3, allowing rookie Omarion Hampton to take over lead-back duties for most of the year. It ended Harris' streak of four straight seasons with 1,000 rushing yards to begin his career, as he finished with just 61 rushing yards and no touchdowns on 15 carries in three games in L.A. The soon-to-be 28-year-old will be back on the free-agent market this offseason, and although he appears to be healing nicely, he's unlikely to have a very robust market coming off a major injury.

Sunday, February 1, 11:59 AM

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard's RB15 finish in 2024 made him a popular early-to-mid-round pick in 2025, but after missing time and ceding primary early down work to a more efficient Rico Dowdle upon his return, he finished as the RB40. Dowdle, who was on a one-year deal, has been vocal about wanting to be featured as a lead back, but whether he returns to Carolina or not, it's unlikely that Hubbard will again see the type of volume that made him a fantasy league-winner in 2024. Hubbard's usage in the passing game has ranked among the least efficient in the league over his five-year career, and his near-300 touches in 2024 came largely as a result of the unexpected absence of second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, who could be back to fight for a starting role in 2026. Regardless of who Hubbard finds himself sharing a backfield with next season, the 27-year-old has likely seen the last of his bell-cow duties.