Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Brandon Aiyuk

Monday, October 21, 8:28 PM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) said he thinks the plan is for the team to open his 21-day practice window this Wednesday. Thielen has missed all four games during the team's losing streak and will be eligible to come off Injured Reserve and play in Week 8 versus the Denver Broncos. The 32-year-old is recovering from a right-hamstring injury, but even if his practice window is opened this week, it won't guarantee his return to the field on Sunday. When Thielen does return, he'll enter three-wide sets alongside Diontae Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette, but he's unlikely to have the kind of fantasy upside he had in 2023 now that Legette is in the picture. The veteran pass-catcher had eight catches on 12 targets for 109 yards with a touchdown in three games before his injury. Those searching for wideout depth in deeper fantasy leagues could look to Thielen for depth if he's available.

Monday, October 21, 7:15 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is out for the rest of the 2024 season after tearing both his right ACL and MCL in the Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. An MRI exam on Monday morning confirmed the team's fears of a season-ending injury to one of their top wideouts. Aiyuk had a notable offseason saga with the Niners when they couldn't come to an agreement on a long-term contract extension until Aug. 29, when they signed him to a four-year, $120 million deal. The former first-rounder was a complete bust this year in fantasy, catching only 25 passes for 374 yards and no TDs in his seven games. With Deebo Samuel Sr. dealing with pneumonia, Jauan Jennings (hip) suddenly will become a hot waiver-wire pickup this week, as well as rookie first-rounder Ricky Pearsall in deeper leagues.