RB Samaje Perine Released by Broncos, Signs With Chiefs

With Perine out in Denver, a 1-2 punch between Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin seems likely. Javonte had 47 receptions last year despite Perine getting 50 himself, so I’d expect a bump in targets for both RBs. If Javonte goes down, we’d project Audric Estime to be a near 1-for-1 replacement for Williams on early downs, with McLaughlin getting a bump in work.

One of the main reasons for Jerick McKinnon’s bump in rankings was his projected use on passing downs. Unfortunately, Perine’s bread and butter is exactly that. We could see Perine end up as the Chiefs passing down and 2-minute back at some point, which can lower Pacheco’s ceiling. He’s still an RB1, but a similar role to last year is more possible now once Perine gets acclimated.

Packers RB AJ Dillon Out for Season with Neck Injury

Marshawn Lloyd also avoided the PUP, but he hasn’t practiced almost all of camp, so it will take him some time to get up to speed. For now, Emanuel Wilson will be Josh Jacobs’ backup, but expect Lloyd to overtake Wilson at some point in the first few weeks of the season. Jacobs should see a big workload during the first few weeks of the season, but once Lloyd is ramped up, Jacobs’ overall workload can come down a bit.

49ers RB Elijah Mitchell Out for Season After Being Placed on Season-Ending IR

Jordan Mason becomes the clear RB2 behind CMC. 49ers' beat writer Jake Hutchinson told me that Mitchell likely would’ve been the primary between the 20s back, while Mason would be the red zone back. Looks like Mason just got a lot more valuable. He makes a great last-round pick and bench stash regardless of whether you have CMC or not. By the way, rookie Isaac Guerendo hasn’t been healthy during camp and just got hurt again.

How Should We React to Kyren Williams Returning Punts?

Sean McVay really likes Kyren Williams and wants him to touch the ball as much as possible, and Williams did start last year returning punts. The Rams will average a little more than one punt return per game if that, so this shouldn’t worry anyone. With that being said, I don’t think McVay wants to run his guy through the ground. I wouldn’t expect Williams to lead the NFL in touches/game again this year, but he’s still a good second round pick as the primary back on a good offense.

Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks Left on PUP, To Miss 4+ Games of the 2024 Season

Panthers are taking it slow with Brooks, and he should be close to 100% once he returns. Expect a ramp-up period, with him potentially (and likely) taking over the backfield by Week 7 or 8. In the first four weeks, expect Chuba Hubbard to have a stranglehold on the backfield during Brooks’ absence; RB2 weeks are very possible.