Who Should I Start? Ainias Smith or Tank Dell

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, July 23, 1:10 PM

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Wednesday at training camp that wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) is "doing great." "He's crushing rehab. He's in a great headspace. We're not putting any timetables timeline on Tank." It's good news that Dell is making strides in his rehab, but the fact remains that he's highly unlikely to play at all in 2025 after dislocating his knee and tearing his ACL, MCL and LCL in Week 16 last season. The Texans placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Wednesday, and he won't be taking part in any practices this summer as the team gets ready for the 2025 season. If Dell is even ready to return next year, he might be a shell of his former self. Fantasy managers should leave him off their draft boards this fall.