Who Should I Start? Zach Charbonnet or Jaleel McLaughlin

Friday, December 20, 4:19 PM

According to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, running back Zach Charbonnet (oblique) is off the injury report and cleared for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Charbonnet was battling an oblique injury during the week but was able to avoid an injury designation. With Kenneth Walker III sidelined over the past two weeks, Charbonnet has taken full control of the Seattle backfield tallying 188 yards on the ground with three scores. However, Walker is also off the injury report as well and should be expected to reclaim the starting job given his previous workloads this season. While Charbonnet may see a larger role than a typical backup would, he should not be viewed as a viable option in Week 16 facing a tough Minnesota rushing defense that has allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs this season.

Wednesday, December 18, 4:42 PM

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. McLaughlin opened the week as a non-participate but was able to upgrade to a limited participant on Tuesday. However, he was downgraded on Thursday and will set his sights on returning in Week 17 to face the Cincinnati Bengals. The 24-year-old left last weekend's game early with this injury. Before departing, McLaughlin tallied 21 yards on seven attempts. McLaughlin has struggled to find consistent attempts in the offense but has flashed some upside when given work, as he has averaged 5.3 yards per carry over his past four games. With McLaughlin ruled out, fantasy managers should expect Javonte Williams to see a majority of the opportunities out of the backfield.