Who Should I Start? Rashaad Penny or Justice Hill

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, January 12, 10:18 AM

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill crossed the goal line in a 28-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round. The change-of-pace back caught a touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson as he improvised and escaped the pass rush at the end of the second quarter. Hill finished the game with six carries for 12 yards and four receptions for 13 yards and a touchdown on four targets. Derrick Henry was dominating the run game, so Hill didn't see as many opportunities with a 39% snap share. Hill will try to find the end zone again in the divisional round against either the Buffalo Bills or Houston Texans.