Who Should I Start? Rashaad Penny or Nyheim Hines

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.

Saturday, October 11, 8:37 PM

According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, the Los Angeles Chargers elevated Nyheim Hines off the practice squad ahead of the Week 6 meeting with the Miami Dolphins, marking his first taste of regular-season action since 2022. Najee Harris (Achilles) is done for the rest of the season, and Omarion Hampton (ankle) will miss at least the next four contests. As a result, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal are expected to split carries out of the backfield, presumably leaving Hines with the leftover scraps. It's unknown how long Hines will suit up for the Bolts moving ahead, especially if the team brings in another running back sometime soon. Either way, Haskins, Vidal, and Hines won't be relevant from a fantasy standpoint once Hampton is cleared to return.