Who Should I Start? Ainias Smith or Ben Skowronek

Tuesday, August 19, 9:35 AM

Second-year Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith has enjoyed a healthy training camp, and his coaches have taken notice. Last season, as a fifth-round rookie, he struggled through camp with a stress fracture in his shin that would eventually land him on Injured Reserve for two months. This year, he is healthy and competing for one of the Eagles' last receiver spots on the 53-man roster. He has played in each of the team's first two preseason games, catching a touchdown in both and returning punts and kicks, as his path to the roster may run through special teams. Smith has been competing with fellow second-year wideout Johnny Wilson and undrafted rookie Darius Cooper for one of the team's final roster spots, and on Sunday, the Eagles acquired former second-round pick John Metchie III from the Houston Texans. Whoever can win the camp battle will have little relevance in managed redraft leagues, but could be worth a stash in deep dynasty formats.

Friday, March 14, 3:59 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to re-sign wide receiver Ben Skowronek to an undisclosed deal. The NFL's Ian Rapoport reported the news. The wideout found his way onto Pittsburgh's roster in mid-September after failing to become a member of the Texans' 53-man squad, but an early-season shoulder injury forced him to injured reserve, and he missed six games. Upon his return in Week 10, Skowronek surpassed 20 snaps in a single contest on just one occasion, totaling five catches and 69 yards in ten appearances. The Notre Dame product will serve as roster padding in the Steelers' WR corps, though he's likely to play a role on special teams. Additionally, Skowronek has experience as a fullback from his time spent with Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams, providing a versatile roster piece for Pittsburgh.