Who Should I Start? Rashaad Penny or Travis Etienne

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.

Monday, September 9, 7:20 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. finished with 44 rushing yards on 12 carries and 15 yards on two catches in a 17-14 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He also fumbled out of the back of the endzone for a touchback. The Jaguars offense disappointed overall, scoring all 17 points in the first half. Backup running back Tank Bigsby was one of the few bright spots, putting up 73 yards on 12 carries of his own. However, it was Etienne Jr. who scored the lone rushing touchdown from one yard out in the first quarter, salvaging his fantasy output. His fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned going forward, as the Jaguars offense won't struggle as badly as they did in the second half for the entire season. The third-year pro should maintain RB1 expectations next week against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2, a defense that allowed 40 yards and a touchdown to Ezekiel Elliot on 10 carries in Week 1.