Who Should I Start? Rashaad Penny or A.J. Dillon

Tuesday, July 30, 11:14 AM

The Carolina Panthers have placed running back Rashaad Penny on the reserve/retired list. Penny, who joined the Panthers this offseason, was set to reunite with head coach Dave Canales, the passing game coordinator during Penny's standout 2021 season with the Seattle Seahawks, and Brad Idzik, now the Panthers' offensive coordinator. Unfortunately, a series of injuries including multiple strains, a torn ACL, and a fibula fracture have hindered Penny's once-explosive performance. Despite rigorous rehab, he struggled to regain the speed that made him a dynamic force in college. Penny's 5.6 yards per carry would be the highest in NFL history if he had sustained it. He also recorded 2,248 rushing yards at San Diego State in 2017, ranking fifth for a single season in NCAA history. The former first-round pick had stints with the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles before signing with the Panthers in May. Penny retires with 1,931 career rushing yards, 13 touchdowns on 348 carries, and 28 receptions for 227 yards.

Friday, October 17, 8:13 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back A.J. Dillon was the only other member of the Philly backfield to get any action in Week 6, carrying the ball once and grabbing two receptions in the loss. Dillon played just 14% of snaps once again, but seems to have cemented himself as the primary handcuff option for if Saquon Barkley goes down. If managers have Barkley and some extra room on the bench, Dillon isn't a bad piece to add just in case. But for now, that's his only fantasy value. He should not be in lineups for his upcoming matchup against the Vikings.