Who Should I Start? Rashaad Penny or Kenneth Gainwell

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, October 10, 11:22 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell played incredibly well in Week 4 and will return from a bye to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 6. Though he should still be involved, the return of Jaylen Warren (knee) certainly puts a cap on Gainwell's upside. To make matters worse, Gainwell will need to overcome a Cleveland defense that has limited opposing backs to the third-fewest fantasy points per contest. Because he can contribute in the passing game, Gainwell isn't entirely touchdown-dependent, but it's difficult to expect another big performance. Fantasy managers should treat Gainwell as a low-end flex option that can be started in a pinch this week.