Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Jaylin Noel

Tuesday, August 12, 12:32 PM

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (shoulder) will be out for a couple of weeks as he tends to his shoulder injury, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Lazard will now most likely miss the rest of the preseason after picking up a right-shoulder injury in the preseason opener last weekend against the Green Bay Packers. Depending on how the 29-year-old recovers, he could be in danger of missing the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September as well. For a player that struggled with drops last year and is competing for a starting role in 2025, this isn't exactly great news. With Lazard out for a couple weeks, it will give Tyler Johnson a leg up as he looks to lock down the WR3 role in New York behind Garrett Wilson and Josh Reynolds. Lazard had 37 catche for 530 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games (10 starts) last year with the Jets.

Tuesday, July 22, 3:22 PM

Houston Texans rookie third-round wide receiver Jaylin Noel (hamstring) missed time during minicamp in the spring with a minor strained hamstring, but KPRC's Aaron Wilson reports that Noel has made a full recovery and is ready for training camp this week. The Texans also drafted another receiver in the second round in Jayden Higgins back in April. Nico Collins is the team's unquestioned WR1, while they also have Christian Kirk in the fold in 2025, so it might be difficult for Noel to see notable targets in his first year in the NFL. The 22-year-old stands at only 5-foot-10, but he makes up for his small size with excellent athleticism. The Iowa State product could work as both a slot receiver and on the outside for Houston, but in terms of his fantasy value, Noel will be much more attractive to those in dynasty/keeper formats this year.