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.

Friday, September 12, 10:42 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill received two carries and two targets out of the backfield in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills. Combined, he totaled -11 yards despite seeing a 45% snap share next to Derrick Henry. While he likely won't be in the negatives again, the Cleveland Browns defense is a bit tougher, especially given that they allowed just 46 rushing yards and 113 yards through the air to the Cincinnati Bengals. That doesn't leave a lot of breathing room for Hill unless the Ravens are playing from behind and resort to a predominantly passing game script. In average-sized fantasy leagues, Hill is better left on the bench for this matchup.