Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Tahj Brooks

Sunday, November 23, 11:36 AM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) is officially active for Sunday's Week 12 contest against the hosting Cincinnati Bengals. Stevenson will return to the Patriots' backfield after a three-game absence due to a toe injury. With the 27-year-old out, rookie TreVeyon Henderson thrived in the team's lead-back role, scoring five total touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) while also averaging 88 rushing yards per game. New England has been non-committal on what Stevenson's role will be upon his return. Before getting hurt, Stevenson was operating as the RB1 and had 83 carries for 279 yards and three touchdowns on the ground while adding 169 receiving yards. However, after Henderson's strong performances the last three weeks, Stevenson will likely see his role reduced. Treat him as more of a shaky RB3/flex in his return this weekend.

Monday, November 24, 1:36 PM

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has ruled out rookie running back Tahj Brooks (concussion) for this Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 13, according to Jay Morrison of SI.com. Brooks suffered a concussion in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, and on a short week, the 23-year-old won't be able to clear the league's concussion protocol. Veteran Samaje Perine (ankle) has missed the last two games due to injury and might not be available this week, either, so the Bengals' backfield could be extremely thin behind Chase Brown this week versus Baltimore. If Perine ends up missing a third straight game, expect Gary Brightwell to operate as Cincy's RB2 behind Brown on Turkey Day. Brooks has only nine rushing attempts in 11 games this year for 28 rushing yards.