Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Jeremy McNichols

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.

Friday, October 3, 9:49 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols has served as the pass-down back in their three-man running back committee. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr. have handled the bulk of the running back touches, while McNichols subs in on late downs for prowess as a pass protector. That is the driving factor behind McNichols' volume of snaps, but he's also shown some juice and physicality as a runner. He had one of the highlight runs of the season in Week 3 against the Raiders when he trucked a defender and then exploded for a 60-yard touchdown. McNichols should be expected to serve in his usual role against a tough Chargers defense, limiting his Week 5 appeal to deeper leagues.