Who Should I Start? Alec Pierce or DeMario Douglas

Friday, October 3, 1:14 PM

Despite returning to practice this week, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) is being ruled out for Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders for the second straight week since he was unable to clear the NFL's concussion protocol, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. Pierce was able to practice in full on Wednesday and Thursday, but he suffered a setback on Friday with his head injury, according to head coach Shane Steichen. It sounds like Pierce should have a pretty good chance to make his return for a Week 6 date with the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday, but head injuries can be tricky. Adonai Mitchell had a big opportunity to make some noise in the Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams with Pierce out, but he failed to do so and had a costly fumble just before scoring a long touchdown. He might not even be active this Sunday, which would propel Ahston Dulin into WR3 duties behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs.

Saturday, September 27, 1:35 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas is off the fantasy radar heading into Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers. The 24-year-old receiver has struggled to strengthen his rapport with Drake Maye this year, catching just five of his 13 targets for a measly 13 yards. Douglas has always been a short-yardage receiver with low touchdown totals, but his track record as a target hog seemed to give him some fantasy relevance in PPR drafts last month. That relevance has quickly slipped away as Douglas can now be dropped in most fantasy leagues. He's particularly unappealing this week as he faces the Panthers, who have surrendered the fewest catches, second-fewest receiving yards, and second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025.