Who Should I Start? Alec Pierce or Malik Washington

Thursday, September 4, 10:01 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (groin) was not listed on the team's initial injury report on Wednesday. This is an excellent sign for the fourth-year wideout as he was diagnosed with a groin injury in August. In addition, Pierce was also a full participant during Thursday's practice, further suggesting he will be a full-go for Sunday's contest against the Miami Dolphins. Last season, Piece went on to have a career year, totaling 824 yards and seven touchdowns on just 37 catches. Despite playing in a crowded wide receiver room, Pierce was able to emerge as Indianapolis's primary deep threat. He tallied over 100 yards in three games and caught seven passes longer than 40 yards. However, given his role as the team's No. 3 WR, he is best left as a sneaky budget play in DFS.

Sunday, August 10, 3:02 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington "is WR No. 3" behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, according to Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald. A sixth-round pick out of Virginia in the 2024 draft, Washington recorded 26 catches for 223 yards in 14 games (three starts) for the Dolphins as a rookie. With Hill (oblique) currently sidelined by an oblique injury, Washington could be in line for a larger role than might otherwise be expected. However, Hill's availability for Week 1 is not currently thought to be in danger. If Hill is healthy, he and Waddle should dominate wide receiver targets in Miami. Washington would need one or both of the Dolphins' star receivers to miss time to factor in fantasy this season, but it's noteworthy that he appears to be the clear next man up in the pecking order.