Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Isaac TeSlaa

Monday, August 25, 1:18 PM

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (shoulder) is on track to be available for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 7, according to head coach Aaron Glenn. Lazard suffered a shoulder injury in the team's preseason opener on Aug. 9 and didn't play in the final two games. The 29-year-old will probably be on the first official injury report next week, but a long as he doesn't have a setback, he could be out on the field for the season opener. Fantasy managers will be avoiding him if he's active, though, as Lazard is merely competing for a depth role behind WR1 Garrett Wilson in New York with Josh Reynolds and Tyler Johnson. Lazard rebounded somewhat in 2024 in his second year with the team, but he's mostly been a dissapointment for the Jets with 60 catches on 109 targets for 841 yards and seven touchdowns in 26 games (22 starts).

Thursday, September 4, 10:09 PM

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (illness) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor TeSlaa's status during Friday's session, as he was also limited during Wednesday's practice. During the preseason, the Arkansas product flashed upside and was able to make a strong case to open the regular season in a starting role. In addition, the Lions also traded veteran wideout Tim Patrick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, which opened a spot on the depth chart for TeSlaa to operate as the team's No. 3 wideout. If TeSlaa can turn the corner during Friday's session, he could be worth a look as a high-risk WR3 in deeper formats. However, he is best off leaving on the bench in shallower leagues as he will be competing for targets alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.