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.

Saturday, November 22, 4:49 PM

The Green Bay Packers have elevated running back Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad to the gameday roster ahead of Sunday's Week 12 matchup against division rival Minnesota Vikings. This is a result of star running back Josh Jacobs (knee) being listed as questionable due to a knee injury he sustained in Week 11 against the New York Giants. Strong being moved to the gameday roster gives the Packers depth at running back, with Jacobs being a true game-time decision. Strong was also elevated earlier in the year in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals. If Jacobs is ruled out, look for Emanuel Wilson to handle the bulk of the carries while Chris Brooks is mixed in. Despite being elevated to the main roster, Strong is a lower-end option in very deep leagues at best for Week 12.