Who Should I Start? Rashaad Penny or DeVonta Smith

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.

Sunday, October 13, 8:19 PM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith caught three of four targets for 64 yards and a touchdown during the team's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns. The former Heisman winner recorded his lowest target share of the season but salvaged his fantasy performance with a 45-yard touchdown catch in the 4th quarter that gave the Eagles the lead and ultimately the win. Smith still tied for second on the team in targets and had a solid fantasy outing. Philadelphia was on the field defensively more than they would have liked, leading to just 25 pass attempts for the offense. Starting tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) left early in the first quarter and did not return. The No. 2 spot in the target pecking order is firmly in possession of Smith, and he will be a locked and loaded WR2 next week when the Eagles travel to New York to take on the rival Giants.