Who Should I Start? Rashaad Penny or Alexander Mattison

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.

Monday, September 30, 2:36 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison is due to receive a larger share of the team's backfield touches moving forward, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. "He's deserved more reps," Pierce said, "and he'll get them." Mattison has been involved in the offense, but primarily as the "third-down" back and a change of pace behind backfield mate Zamir White. White has out-carried the former 49-to-17 through the season's first four weeks, but the former Viking has been more effective with his work -- sporting 5.1 YPC while White averages a whole two yards less. Mattison has looked like the better back, and now he'll get the opportunity to prove it. Fantasy managers may want to exhibit caution before slotting him into their lineup, as he's racked up just two double-digit fantasy point outings thus far. Still, the increased usage and his work in the passing game could keep him in the conversation of a weekly FLEX option moving forward. Las Vegas will gear up for a divisional road matchup when they head to Denver to take on the Broncos in Week 5.