Who Should I Start? Rashaad Penny or Tony Pollard

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 18, 9:10 AM

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard's fantasy value has started to decline following the return of Tyjae Spears, and he'll continue to face an uphill battle to produce in Week 7 against the New England Patriots. The veteran's snap share was essentially cut in half last week as Spears took on a bigger workload. A reduced snap share is never a good sign for fantasy purposes, and it's particularly concerning when discussing one of the NFL's worst teams. Pollard no longer has volume or game script on his side, making him tough to trust in fantasy football. To make matters worse, he's facing the Patriots, who have allowed the third-fewest rushing yards and fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. Managers in most leagues can bench Pollard this week. At best, he is an RB3/flex.