Who Should I Start? Raheem Blackshear or Pierre Strong Jr.

Tuesday, July 1, 9:30 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear will "almost exclusively be a special teams player" in 2025 if the team elects to keep a fourth RB around beyond training camp, writes The Charlotte Observer's Alex Zietlow. The Panthers only kept three RBs a year ago. Even with rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) out for most of last season, Blackshear didn't have a single rushing attempt until Week 16. The 27-year-old will primarily be competing with David Moore, Jimmy Horn Jr. and Hunter Renfrow for a spot on the team's 53-man roster as a return option. The former undrafted free agent in 2022 has had 68 touches for 341 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on offense for the Panthers in the last three years while adding 66 kickoff returns for 1,734 yards and 23 punt returns for 200 yards. He's off the fantasy radar in the vast majority of leagues.

Monday, September 8, 10:06 PM

The Green Bay Packers have signed running back Pierre Strong Jr. to their practice squad. The 26-year-old spent last season with the Cleveland Browns, totaling 108 rushing yards and 104 receiving yards. He also got involved on special teams, returning 11 kicks in 2024. Strong remained with the Browns organization until the end of August, when the team released him with an injury designation. He'll remain a mere depth option in Green Bay, especially since he's reporting to the practice squad. The former fourth-round pick provides additional insurance in case Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson, or Chris Brooks gets hurt.