Who Should I Start? Rashaad Penny or Jahmyr Gibbs

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.

Thursday, June 5, 12:13 PM

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that running back Jahmyr Gibbs has stood out this spring during voluntary organized team activities. This news really shouldn't surprise anyone. Gibbs, who was taken 12th overall in the 2023 NFL draft, has made the Pro Bowl in each of his two NFL seasons and took a step forward in 2024 with 250 rushing attempts, 1,412 rushing yards and a league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns, adding 52 receptions for the second straight season, 517 receiving yards and four receiving TDs in 17 regular-season games (four starts). Gibbs' increased production had a lot to do with David Montgomery missing time with a knee injury, but even with a healthy Montgomery stealing touches away from Gibbs in Detroit's backfield, the 23-year-old is so explosive and efficient that he'll remain a high-end RB1 in fantasy.