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, December 12, 10:06 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has remained a steady, consistent piece of this Steelers offense for a majority of the season, but even more so over the past month and a half. Since Week 10, this Steelers backfield has become an actual split between Gainwell and Jaylen Warren. For most of the first half of the season, it had appeared Warren was gaining steam and control of the backfield, but a handful of injuries to Warren opened up the door for Gainwell, and he took advantage of his opportunities and has earned more playing time. Since Week 10, Gainwell has rushed for 151 yards on 28 carries (5.39 YPC), has 23 receptions for 167 receiving yards, and is averaging 14.6 fantasy points per game. He is consistently getting more involved than Warren in the receiving game, and moving forward, can be viewed as an RB3/flex option. In Week 15, the Steelers take on the Miami Dolphins, who rank middle-of-the-pack in points allowed against opposing running backs.