Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or Ricky Pearsall

Thursday, December 18, 4:40 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (stinger) was a full practice participant on Thursday and will not carry an injury designation into his team's Week 16 matchup against the Washington Commanders on Saturday. Barkley suffered a stinger in the Eagles' Week 15 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, but the injury will not result in missed time. Across 14 games this season, the 28-year-old has recorded 1,213 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns on 277 touches. His average of 3.9 yards per carry is down nearly two full yards from the 5.8 yards per carry he averaged in his first season in Philadelphia in 2024. Still, Barkley has logged touchdowns in back-to-back games entering Week 16 and profiles as a must-start fantasy running back in a favorable matchup against Washington.

Thursday, December 18, 2:56 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) won't practice on Thursday, but head coach Kyle Shanahan said he's feeling "much better" and that he still has a chance to play on Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Pearsall aggravated the PCL injury that caused him to miss six games earlier this season and also sprained his ankle during the Week 15 win over the Titans. The 25-year-old will have an extra day to recover this week, but it still seems unlikely that he'll be able to suit up on Monday night. The second-year wideout produced his third game this season with 95 or more yards against the Titans, finishing with six catches for 96 yards on seven targets. If Pearsall ends up being ruled out, Jauan Jennings would be in line for a larger role, with Kendrick Bourne also becoming a viable flex option in deeper leagues.