Who Should I Start? Rashaad Penny or David Montgomery

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, November 3, 1:15 PM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery broke his two-game scoreless streak in Week 9, recording 51 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 13 touches against the Minnesota Vikings. However, the veteran also fumbled in a key spot, leading to points for Minnesota that were critical in Detroit's 27-24 loss to its division rival. Montgomery out-touched fellow Lions back Jahmyr Gibbs against the Vikings, but neither back was particularly efficient with their opportunities. Montgomery's workload has been fairly stable for much of 2025, as he's recorded between 12 and 15 touches in five out of eight games. The 28-year-old's minimal role in the passing game and limited rushing workload while sharing time with Gibbs make Montgomery very reliant on touchdowns for fantasy production. He profiles as a low-end fantasy RB2/high-end flex option heading into a Week 10 matchup against the Washington Commanders.