Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or Brian Robinson Jr.

Saturday, August 23, 1:11 PM

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb will not suit up for the team's preseason finale on Saturday versus the Detroit Lions, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Alexander notes that unless Chubb is dealing with an injury, he's likely a lock to start in Week 1 of the regular season against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 7, with Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) still sidelined due to injury. Dameon Pierce, rookie Woody Marks and Dare Ogunbowale were all in uniform for Saturday's contest in Detroit. In his lone preseason appearance, the 29-year-old Chubb had five carries for 25 yards and caught one pass for a gain of four yards. Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowler, might get the start in Week 1, but Houston figures to mix and match in their backfield until Mixon is able to return. He did not look like the same explosive back last year after a serious knee injury in 2023 and is only the RB53 at RotoBaller.

Saturday, August 30, 11:08 AM

Once a sneaky candidate to back up star running back Christian McCaffrey, stock for San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan James has declined since the NFL Draft. The fifth-round pick broke a finger, forcing him to be sidelined for a few weeks. Then, the 49ers traded for former Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. Head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that Robinson is locked into the number two role, and second-year back Isaac Guerendo is currently manning the third spot on the depth chart. Although he's back on the practice field now, James may never get the chance to showcase his talents during a regular-season football game this season, barring a rash of injuries in the San Francisco backfield. Still, general manager John Lynch recently reconfirmed his confidence in the rookie, so dynasty managers shouldn't give up hope yet. The other three San Francisco running backs are regularly being selected in redraft leagues.