Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Kenneth Gainwell

Monday, November 24, 5:31 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine (ankle) has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, but he was listed as a full participant on Monday's estimated practice report, per SI.com's Jay Morrison. It's notable since rookie Tahj Brooks was already ruled out for Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a concussion he suffered in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots. As long as Perine doesn't suffer a setback with his ankle on Tuesday or Wednesday, he figures to be active in Week 13 to serve as the Bengals' No. 2 RB behind starter Chase Brown. The 30-year-old doesn't have standalone fantasy football value in a depth role, though. In 32 rushing attempts in 2025, Perine has 198 rushing yards and one score on the ground, adding 30 receiving yards.

Monday, November 24, 11:29 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell posted another solid fantasy effort in Week 12's loss to the hosting Chicago Bears, making the team's backfield situation less clear than it was a few weeks ago. Gainwell might not have had as much success as a receiver on Sunday as he did in Week 11's win, though he's now logged at least six receptions in back-to-back games and four or more in three of four. The 26-year-old's elevated workload in Pittsburgh's win over Cincinnati two Sundays ago can be explained away by teammate Jaylen Warren's mid-game injury. However, it's notable that Gainwell retained his passing game role with Warren fully healthy, particularly because offensive coordinator Arthur Smith sang the praises of the former earlier in the week. As it stands, both Steelers' RBs may boast a bit of value. However, Gainwell currently plays a more valuable part in PPR leagues. It's a backfield worth monitoring ahead of the fantasy playoffs.