Who Should I Start? Tahj Brooks or Jaydon Blue

Monday, November 24, 1:36 PM

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has ruled out rookie running back Tahj Brooks (concussion) for this Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 13, according to Jay Morrison of SI.com. Brooks suffered a concussion in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, and on a short week, the 23-year-old won't be able to clear the league's concussion protocol. Veteran Samaje Perine (ankle) has missed the last two games due to injury and might not be available this week, either, so the Bengals' backfield could be extremely thin behind Chase Brown this week versus Baltimore. If Perine ends up missing a third straight game, expect Gary Brightwell to operate as Cincy's RB2 behind Brown on Turkey Day. Brooks has only nine rushing attempts in 11 games this year for 28 rushing yards.

Friday, November 28, 10:35 PM

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue impressed the coaching staff in training camp and the preseason, leading to him being a late-round dart throw in fantasy football drafts. Blue has been unable to carry over that momentum during the summer into his first NFL season, though, as he's been active for only four games in 2025. The 21-year-old fifth-round selection out of Texas didn't make his debut until Week 5, and he has been a healthy scratch in four consecutive games since he fumbled the ball away in the team's Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos. It seemed as though Blue had a clear path to RB2 duties after Miles Sanders had season-ending knee surgery, but Malik Davis has ascended the depth chart behind starter Javonte Williams instead. In his four games this year, Blue has only 22 carries for 65 yards (3.0 yards per carry) and no touchdowns. Blue should only be stashed in keeper/dynasty leagues.