Who Should I Start? Roschon Johnson or Tahj Brooks

Thursday, September 4, 6:33 PM

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (foot) is on the Week 1 injury report and was unable to take part in the first practice of the week on Thursday as the club prepares for a divisional clash in the season opener on Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings. Rookie Kyle Monangai (hamstring) is also on the injury report, but he was limited in Thursday's practice. It's still early, but Chicago's backfield is banged up going into their season opener. It's something that fantasy managers in deeper leagues should monitor if they're concerned about their RB depth. The 24-year-old Johnson didn't play in the preseason finale two weeks ago and could be in danger of missing Week 1, which could allow Monangai to have a bigger role right away behind D'Andre Swift. Johnson is merely a handcuff for those that have Swift rostered.

Saturday, August 30, 3:29 PM

According to James Rapien of SI, Cincinnati Bengals running back Tahj Brooks is projected to occupy the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind Chase Brown and Samaje Perine. "Brown is locked in as the starter and will play a ton," wrote Rapien. "Perine will get plenty of snaps when Brown needs a break or on specific passing downs. Brooks is capable of doing a little bit of everything as a rookie. All three backs will play, but this is expected to be the 'Chase Brown Show.'" The 23-year-old was selected in the sixth round in April's NFL Draft after spending his collegiate career at Texas Tech. While he managed to find a place on the roster, his fantasy value is limited, even in dynasty formats, as long as Brown is in the equation. His worth as an insurance policy is also basically non-existent currently, especially with Perine in the mix. The Bengals will begin the 2025 campaign with a trip to Cleveland to face the Browns in an AFC North showdown.