Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Isiah Pacheco

Saturday, July 26, 11:37 AM

The Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan reports that New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is missing at Saturday's training camp practice, and no reason was given for his absence. We should have an update to pass along shortly on why Stevenson isn't practicing, but it could be just a day off for him early in camp with the players just wearing shells and not full pads. Stevenson's fantasy stock has definitely fallen going into the 2025 campaign, even though he ran for 801 yards on 207 carries for a career-high seven rushing touchdowns in 15 games (14 starts). The 27-year-old continued to have ball-security issues and averaged a career-low 3.9 yards per carry. If his fumbling issues don't improve, the Pats will surely bench Stevenson in 2025 after they drafted TreVeyon Henderson in the second round in April. He has become a volatile RB3/flex in fantasy.

Sunday, June 1, 8:36 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco told the Kansas City Star's Jesse Newell that he focused on gaining weight this offseason to get closer to his shape at the NFL Combine. "Just going back to 216, 4.37 Isiah Pacheco-style," said Pacheco. The Rutgers product was excellent for Kansas City over his first two seasons, but a fibula fracture in Week 2 of 2024 would derail a fantastic start for him. Miraculously, he'd return in Week 13, but the 26-year-old was not his usual effective self. The missed time caused him to lean out, but head coach Andy Reid notes that Pacheco put on some "good weight" and is looking "tremendous" ahead of the 2025 season. There'll be more competition for him in the Chiefs' backfield this year. However, more time removed from an ugly injury should benefit him. It's unclear whether or not the added weight will be a boon to him. Still, he has an excellent chance at a bounce-back season.