Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Emari Demercado

Monday, November 3, 3:21 PM

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said that running back Samaje Perine (ankle) will "be out a couple weeks" with a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 9 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, per Jay Morrison of SI.com. The good news is that the Bengals are on bye in Week 10, but the 30-year-old veteran still might not be ready to go when the team plays the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11 on Sunday, Nov. 16. Before getting injured on Sunday, Perine had just one rushing attempt for five yards after seeing a combined 16 carries the previous two weeks. Chase Brown remains the Bengals' No. 1 running back, but Perine was starting to take on an increased role as the No. 2 before his high-ankle sprain. If Perine is unable to return coming out of the bye week, look for rookie Tahj Brooks to be elevated into the RB2 role.

Sunday, November 9, 7:33 AM

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado posted his best performance of the season during last week's win over the Dallas Cowboys. Demercado saw a season-high 14 carries for 79 yards in the Week 9 victory. Before that, Demercado saw only a few carries in the backfield, but figures to have earned a larger role in the backfield. It's worth noting the Cardinals are operating a three-back committee with Michael Carter and Bam Knight involved as well. It seems like the team is intent on going with the hot hand in the backfield, which is Demercado right now. Fantasy managers in desperate need of help for Week 10 might want to consider Demercado as a possible flex option.