Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or DJ Giddens

Monday, September 22, 3:34 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine (thumb), who left the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday with a thumb injury, avoided a serious injury and has not been ruled out for next Monday night's matchup against the Denver Broncos, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. An MRI exam ruled out significant damage to Perine's thumb. The 30-year-old veteran could play against his former team, the Broncos, but he won't be anywhere near the fantasy radar if he does. Perine saw his first rushing work of the season in Sunday's 48-10 blowout loss in Minnesota, carrying the ball four times for 21 yards before getting hurt. He will continue to handle a change-of-pace role behind starter Chase Brown if he's active, but it's unlikely to result in much volume or production, especially with backup quarterback Jake Browning now running Cincy's offense.

Saturday, October 4, 11:01 AM

Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens will look to see a larger role in a Week 5 home matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Giddens has been quiet since a Week 1 win where he saw 12 carries. The Colts have leaned heavily on starter Jonathan Taylor since the season opener, which has cut into Giddens' workload. That being said, fellow backup running back Tyler Goodson (groin) has been ruled out for a Week 5 home matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, which will leave Giddens as the team's main backup running back behind Taylor. Giddens should not be in starting lineups in fantasy, but he remains a top handcuff option in case Taylor is forced to miss time at some point this season.