Who Should I Start? Travis Homer or Jonathan Ward

Friday, September 20, 7:31 PM

Chicago Bears running back Travis Homer (finger) underwent surgery on his finger and will be placed on Injured Reserve, meaning he will be out for at least the next four games. The Bears have their bye in Week 7 as well, so the earliest Homer will be able to return will be for a Week 8 tilt versus the Washington Commanders. The 26-year-old isn't at all on the fantasy radar after seeing just three carries for 16 yards in the first two weeks of the season. With Homer now out for the foreseeable future, it means that Roschon Johnson should see more involvement on passing downs alongside D'Andre Swift in a Bears offense that has been stuck in the mud early on behind rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. In his first year in Chicago in 2023, Homer was used exclusively on special teams and didn't see a single touch on offense. He was targeted once in the passing game in 16 games.

Tuesday, November 12, 1:40 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed free-agent running back Jonathan Ward to their practice squad on Tuesday. Ward will return to the team's practice squad after being cut less than a week ago. The 27-year-old will continue to provide running back depth for the Steelers behind Najee Harris (ankle), Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson while being well off the fantasy radar. The Central Michigan alum has actually appeared in four games for the Steelers this year in his first season with the team but has seen only five carries for 22 yards and hasn't been targeted in the passing game. Harris picked up a minor ankle injury in the Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders but is expected to play this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, so Ward will most likely stick on the practice squad in Week 11.