Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Troy Franklin

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.

Friday, August 1, 10:52 PM

According to Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, wide receiver Troy Franklin is "having a good camp." The 22-year-old had a quiet rookie season. However, he at least displayed some signs of promise by catching 28 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos have plenty of capable receivers, specifically Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and tight end Evan Engram. Still, there's room for Franklin to get more snaps throughout the 2025 campaign, especially if he continues to impress heading into Week 1. He already has a rapport with quarterback Bo Nix dating back to their collegiate days at Oregon, but it still may be tough for him to be involved consistently. As a result, Franklin's redraft value is limited, although his ceiling should rise if there is an injury to a member of the receiving corps during the season.