Who Should I Start? Ainias Smith or Ja'Lynn Polk

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.

Wednesday, January 7, 12:55 PM

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said that wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk's (shoulder) rehab has gone well and that he's fitting in with the group well, according to Erin Summers of NFL Network. Head coach Kellen Moore said that Polk will "be able to fill a very beneficial role here." The Saints acquired Polk and a seventh-round draft pick in 2028 from the New England Patriots back in September in exchange for a sixth-rounder in 2027. The 23-year-old former second-rounder missed all of the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury. Polk struggled in his rookie campaign in 2024, catching 12 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns on 33 targets. He'll have another opportunity to make noise in 2026 behind Chris Olave, making him one to watch in training camp and the preseason in deeper fantasy leagues.