Who Should I Start? Rachaad White or Jalen Coker

Sunday, October 12, 11:21 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White has really stepped up in the team's lead-back role the last two weeks with Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) nursing multiple injuries. In the 30-19 win over the visiting San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Week 6, White stayed productive with a team-leading 17 rushing attempts for 65 yards and a touchdown while adding three catches on three targets for 21 additional yards. The 26-year-old hasn't been all that productive with his touches the last two weeks since seeing an expanded role in the backfield, but he has delivered for fantasy managers with a nose for the end zone, scoring three total times in the last two games with Irving out. It's unclear if Irving will return in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, but if he misses a third straight game, White will maintain his plug-and-play RB2 status in fantasy.

Thursday, October 16, 4:17 PM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) practiced in full for the second straight day on Thursday. The 23-year-old was placed on Injured Reserve before the start of the season and has yet to play in 2025. However, it appears as though Coker is trending towards making his season debut in Week 7 against the New York Jets. Across 11 games in 2024, Coker recorded 32 catches for 478 yards and two touchdowns on 46 targets. Upon his return, he should compete with Panthers wideout Xavier Legette for WR2 status alongside Tetairoa McMillan. Coker may be eased into the lineup after his extended absence, which makes him tough for fantasy managers to trust in Week 7. Still, he's a name to monitor in deep leagues.