Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Tyjae Spears

Tuesday, October 15, 1:17 AM

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy expressed the need for running back Rico Dowdle to get more opportunities, stating, "He definitely needs to touch the ball more, without a doubt." Dowdle had only five carries for 25 yards rushing in Dallas's loss to the Lions. With the team falling behind early, he was more active in the passing game, catching five passes for 30 yards. In contrast, Ezekiel Elliott managed just 17 yards on six carries against Detriot, marking his fourth straight game with six or fewer rushes and failing to reach 20 yards each time. It will be interesting to see if McCarthy follows through on his promise to increase Dowdle's touches, as he appears to be the more explosive option. The Cowboys are on bye this week and will return in Week 8 to face San Francisco on Sunday Night Football.

Monday, October 21, 7:35 PM

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said on Monday that running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) could return in Week 8 to face the Detroit Lions after missing the Week 7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Spears' status for this Sunday's game will depend on how much he can do in practice this week. We'll have a better idea of the 23-year-old's status by Friday. If he's able to return this weekend, he'll resume his role as the No. 2 behind Tony Pollard in Tennessee's backfield. There was some uncertainty as to how the Titans would split touches in their backfield between Pollard and Spears to begin the season, and through the first six weeks of the season with Spears healthy, he took a clear back seat to Pollard. Spears has 33 total carries for 114 yards (3.5 yards per tote) and one touchdown while adding 12 catches for 76 yards. Spears will be a low-upside RB3/flex, at best, in PPR leagues in Week 8 if he's active.