Who Should I Start? Pierre Strong Jr. or Gary Brightwell

Saturday, December 13, 2:27 PM

The Green Bay Packers have elevated running back Pierre Strong Jr. from their practice squad to the active roster ahead of the team's Week 15 matchup against the Denver Broncos. With top Green Bay running backs Josh Jacobs (knee) and Emanuel Wilson (illness) both questionable for Sunday, the Packers could be forced to turn to Strong Jr. and Chris Brooks in the backfield. The 27-year-old Strong Jr. has yet to appear in a game so far in 2025. Across 14 games with the Cleveland Browns in 2024, he recorded 212 scrimmage yards on 40 touches. Brooks has just 66 total carries across 37 career NFL games, so it's unclear who Green Bay would turn to as the lead back if both Jacobs and Wilson are out. Fantasy managers may want to stash Strong Jr. off the waiver wire just in case he finds himself in a prominent role come game time on Sunday.

Tuesday, October 29, 2:51 PM

The Cleveland Browns are releasing running back Gary Brightwell from the practice squad on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The 2021 sixth-round pick out of Arizona spent the first three seasons of his career with the New York Giants before joining Cleveland's roster this year. He played in two games in 2024 but did not log a carry or reception. Overall, the 26-year-old has rushed 41 times for 164 yards and one touchdown in 37 career games.