Who Should I Start? Trey Benson or Jaleel McLaughlin

Friday, December 5, 11:14 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) has been sidelined since Week 4 after suffering a knee injury and being placed on Injured Reserve. Benson was a non-participant every day in practice this week, marking five missed sessions in a row, and was officially ruled out for Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. The second-year back hasn't practiced since last Wednesday, and time is running out for him to return this season. The Florida State product was in line for a workhorse role after James Conner (foot) went down for the season in Week 3, but Benson's opportunity has been derailed by a nagging knee injury that required surgery. He played well in the four games he suited up for this year, recording 29 carries for 160 yards while adding 13 receptions (16 targets) for 64 yards. Benson is still a good stash, as he would be the Cardinals' lead back if he returns, but that's still an unknown as of now. Arizona will continue to rely on the combination of Bam Knight and Michael Carter in Week 14.

Tuesday, December 2, 12:49 PM

For the second straight game in Sunday night's overtime win over the Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin served as the team's No. 2 RB with J.K. Dobbins (foot) out for the year. McLaughlin played only 19% of the offensive snaps and had seven total touches for the second straight game. His six rushing attempts (24 yards) were second on the team behind rookie RJ Harvey's 13 carries (35 yards). Harvey wasn't efficient (2.7 yards per tote), but he found the end zone twice. Although McLaughlin's snap count was his highest of the year, he was outsnapped by Harvey, Tyler Badie, and Adam Prentice. Before Denver's Week 12 bye, McLaughlin had six carries for 19 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the Week 11 win over the Chiefs. The 25-year-old's limited usage is likely to continue going into a Week 14 divisional clash with the Raiders, making him only a deep-league stash for RB depth. McLaughlin is currently rostered in only 2% of Yahoo leagues.