Who Should I Start? Ainias Smith or Darius Cooper

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.

Saturday, December 13, 12:41 PM

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Darius Cooper logged his second-most snaps in a single game last week, as he was on the field for 21 offensive plays-29.6% of total opportunities. The increased action allowed for Cooper to haul in his third career catch-a 19-yard gain in the fourth quarter. After failing to record any statistics through the first 10 weeks of the season, the undrafted wideout has now found himself in the box score twice in the past three weeks. While it's encouraging for him to step up a bit recently, he's still too far down the depth chart in an offense that's already not very WR-dependent. Cooper shouldn't be in fantasy lineups for his upcoming game against the Raiders, but hopefully some more chances are in store for him on the horizon.