Who Should I Start? Tyjae Spears or Jonathon Brooks

Monday, October 21, 7:35 PM

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said on Monday that running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) could return in Week 8 to face the Detroit Lions after missing the Week 7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Spears' status for this Sunday's game will depend on how much he can do in practice this week. We'll have a better idea of the 23-year-old's status by Friday. If he's able to return this weekend, he'll resume his role as the No. 2 behind Tony Pollard in Tennessee's backfield. There was some uncertainty as to how the Titans would split touches in their backfield between Pollard and Spears to begin the season, and through the first six weeks of the season with Spears healthy, he took a clear back seat to Pollard. Spears has 33 total carries for 114 yards (3.5 yards per tote) and one touchdown while adding 12 catches for 76 yards. Spears will be a low-upside RB3/flex, at best, in PPR leagues in Week 8 if he's active.

Friday, October 18, 1:10 PM

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) was limited in Friday's practice but has been ruled out and won't make his NFL debut this weekend versus the Washington Commanders. Brooks made his return to practice for the first time this year on Wednesday while recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered last November while playing in college at Texas, so the 21-year-old wasn't realistically expected to play in Week 7. However, the 46th overall pick in this year's draft (the first RB off the board), could become a big part of Carolina's backfield alongside Chuba Hubbard later this year once he gets up to speed. Brooks will need to make more progress in practice next week to have a shot to make his debut for the Panthers in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos. He's worth stashing in all fantasy leagues.