Who Should I Start? Terrell Jennings or Raheim Sanders

Saturday, December 13, 11:07 AM

New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings (concussion) has been placed on injured reserve and will miss the final four games of the regular season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Rapoport adds that the Patriots expect Jennings to return for the team's playoff run. Jennings impressed while sharing touches with TreVeyon Henderson for a small stretch of games earlier this season, but he fell back to the No. 3 spot on the depth chart when Rhamondre Stevenson returned to action in Week 13. The 24-year-old has been a solid depth option within this backfield, amassing 73 rushing yards, nine receiving yards, and one touchdown through seven games. New England lacks reliable backfield depth behind Henderson and Stevenson now that Jennings, Antonio Gibson (knee), Deneric Prince (undisclosed), and Craig Reynolds (undisclosed) are all sidelined for extended periods of time. The Patriots will likely elevate D'Ernest Johnson from the practice squad to replace Jennings for Week 15.

Friday, January 2, 10:34 AM

Cleveland Browns running back Raheim Sanders has seen an increased role in recent weeks after Browns RB1 Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) suffered season-ending lower leg injuries in Week 16. After Judkins went down, Sanders recorded 11 carries for 42 yards and looked like the team's lead back for the remainder of Week 16. However, Browns running back Dylan Sampson returned from calf and hand injuries in Week 17, cutting Sanders' usage. In Week 17, Sanders racked up just 21 yards rushing on eight carries. With Sampson functioning as Cleveland's primary receiving back and Trayveon Williams soaking up backfield work as well, the Browns appear to be operating with a full-on backfield committee. Even in a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland's regular-season finale on Sunday, Sanders carries limited upside. Fantasy managers are safe to avoid Sanders in Week 18.