Who Should I Start? Tahj Brooks or Eli Heidenreich


Week 4 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.5 2.8 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.0

Tahj Brooks News

Tahj Brooks Remains Buried on the Bengals Running Back Depth Chart

Friday, September 18, 5:57 AM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Tahj Brooks was hardly utilized in his team's Week 1 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, logging just two snaps on offense and failing to record a touch. A sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Brooks recorded just 54 scrimmage yards on 17 touches across 16 games as a rookie. Fast forward to 2026, and Brooks remains buried on the Bengals running back depth chart behind star back Chase Brown and trusted veteran Samaje Perine. While Brooks may be a more explosive rusher than the 31-year-old Perine, Perine is widely thought of as one of the league's best pass-protectors at the running back position and also recorded three catches for 30 yards in Week 1. Barring an injury or a change of scenery, Brooks should remain off the radar of fantasy managers heading into Cincinnati's Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans.


Week 4 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Eli Heidenreich News

Eli Heidenreich a Worthy Stash Candidate Amid Backfield Injuries in Pittsburgh

Friday, September 25, 12:15 PM

A seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Navy, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Eli Heidenreich has yet to record his first NFL carry. However, the 23-year-old appears to be in line for an expanded role in his team's Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) has already been ruled out with a toe injury, and veteran back Jaylen Warren (shoulder) is officially questionable with a shoulder issue. If neither of Pittsburgh's top two running backs is available, Heidenreich could take over the majority of the team's backfield work on Sunday. Even if Warren plays, Heidenreich would be the next man up and could take on some secondary touches. Heading into Week 3, fantasy managers may want to consider stashing Heidenreich off the waiver wire.


Tahj Brooks vs. Eli Heidenreich

Still trying to decide between Brooks and Heidenreich? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Tahj Brooks is projected to score 0.5 points this week while Eli Heidenreich is projected to score 0.0 points.