Who Should I Start? Alec Pierce or Jalen Coker

Wednesday, October 8, 12:13 PM

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that wide receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) will practice on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Pierce has missed the last two games with a concussion, but he is trending in the right direction to make his return in Week 6 on Sunday versus the visiting Arizona Cardinals. It looked like Pierce was going to play last week in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders after he was a full-go in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but he had a setback on Friday and was not cleared from the NFL's concussion protocol. If he can avoid a setback this week, Pierce could be active as Indy's WR3 next to Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. The 25-year-old has nine catches on 13 targets for 171 yards and no touchdowns in his three games this year. If Pierce is active, he'll be in play as a WR4/flex in deeper fantasy leagues against the Cards.

Wednesday, October 8, 3:55 PM

Updating a previous report, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) was a full participant in his return to practice on Wednesday, according to David Newton of ESPN. The Panthers opened Coker's 21-day practice window on Wednesday, and he's eligible to come off Injured Reserve at any time. The 23-year-old is back at practice for the first time since suffering a quad injury on Aug. 28, but it's still unclear if he actually has a shot to be activated to make his 2025 debut this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys. Even if Coker doesn't play in Week 6, he's deserving of a waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers looking for receiving depth. The Panthers haven't gotten much production from their receivers not named Tetairoa McMillan through five weeks. Coker became much more involved late in his rookie season in 2024 and finished with 32 catches, 478 yards, and two scores in 11 games (four starts).