Who Should I Start? Raheem Mostert or Jonathon Brooks

Sunday, October 6, 5:03 PM

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert rushed 19 times for 80 yards in Sunday's 15-10 win over the New England Patriots. He added two receptions and 18 yards on two targets. It was the 32-year-old's first action since Week 1, and he appeared to be over the chest injury that kept him out of the prior three contests. It's unclear whether or not the plan was to give Mostert 20+ touches, but after running back De'Von Achane (concussion) was forced from the outing in the first quarter, he split the workload with rookie RB Jaylen Wright. Both backs were productive for the Dolphins, but Mostert was out-rushed by the rookie despite racking up six more carries. With Miami heading into their Week 6 bye, Achane will be afforded a larger window to clear the NFL's concussion protocol and will likely be ready to suit up when the team lines up against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7. Presumably, the former undrafted free agent will split most of the backfield touches with the Texas A&M product in that one. However, Wright may have worked himself into the backfield rotation with his efficient outing.

Thursday, October 17, 2:55 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) did not practice on Thursday following his limited practice session on Wednesday. The rookie out of Texas had his practice window opened this week, but the belief is he will not make his NFL debut on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Brooks is coming off a torn ACL, and with the Panthers sitting a 1-5 through Week 6, there's no reason to rush him into action. Additionally, Chuba Hubbard has been excellent in the RB1 role, so the team isn't in dire need of running back production. Fantasy managers should follow his status through the rest of the week, but a Week 8 or Week 9 return seems more realistic for the first RB taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.