Who Should I Start? Najee Harris or Ollie Gordon II

Sunday, August 24, 1:11 AM

Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz noted via the broadcast of the team's preseason finale with the San Francisco 49ers that he's hopeful running back Najee Harris (eye) will be ready to go for Week 1. "Najee's doing great, going through all the medical processes," said Hortiz. "But he's on track, and I think he should be able to go, hopefully in Week 1." This is an interesting development, as LA has primarily taken a vow of silence this summer regarding Harris and the resulting eye injury from his fireworks mishap. The Alabama product returned to the field after the July 4 incident just two weeks ago and has only worked off to the side with trainers. If Harris does suit up for Week 1, it's unclear in what capacity that will be, as the actual severity of his injury is unknown. With backfield mate Omarion Hampton's ADP skyrocketing, fantasy managers may want to exercise caution in drafting the rookie at his elevated draft price, particularly with the veteran potentially on the brink of returning. It's a situation that bears monitoring over the next 11 days or so.

Monday, August 25, 1:07 AM

Following Saturday's 14-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel noted that he was impressed with rookie running back Ollie Gordon II's performance. "I think Ollie did a very good job today of mastering the non-on-ball assignments," said McDaniel. I thought he competed...So it was a good day for a rookie back in terms of getting his feet wet. It didn't look too big for him." Gordon II got the starting nod on Saturday for the team's preseason finale with backfield mate De'Von Achane (calf) still battling a sore calf and provided a decent spark. With teammate Jaylen Wright (leg) week-to-week, the Oklahoma State product could challenge for the backup job behind Achane. Gordon II fell off during his junior campaign with the Cowboys, but racked up 2,062 scrimmage yards and 22 total TDs back in 2023. He won't threaten Achane's workload, but could be a nice change of pace option for Miami and profiles as a better short-yardage rusher (6-foot-2, 225 lbs).