Who Should I Start? Najee Harris or Jerome Ford

Wednesday, July 24, 3:03 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris spoke to the media on Wednesday for the first time since the team declined his fifth-year option in the spring. Harris said he wants to remain in Pittsburgh on a long-term basis but noted that it's "a business" and isn't fretting about the future. In three seasons with the Steelers, Harris has exceeded the 1,000-yard rushing mark in each year, but he's averaged 3.9 yards per attempt on 834 carries over his career. The 26-year-old is set to split carries with the more explosive Jaylen Warren in 2024, but new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is likely going to ride Harris in early-down spots and goal-line situations. Harris is shaping up as a solid RB2 bet in the middle rounds fantasy drafts as the starter in a run-centric offense with improved quarterback play.

Friday, July 26, 8:30 AM

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (personal) reportedly missed practice on Thursday due to a personal matter. Patrick Warren of clevelandbrowns.com reports that Ford is expected back at practice on Friday as he only needed to tend to the matter on Thursday. The 24-year-old projects to be the starter with Nick Chubb (knee) still on the PUP list and recovering from his gruesome injury last season. The good news for fantasy managers is this is just a temporary absence and Ford should be back on the field taking first-team snaps.