Who Should I Start? Amari Cooper or Christian Kirk

Thursday, September 4, 2:14 PM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper has informed the team that he intends to retire ahead of Week 1, citing a lack of desire to continue playing. Cooper, who joined the Raiders this offseason in hopes of competing for a starting role, was listed behind rookie Dont'e Thornton Jr. on the initial depth chart. The five-time Pro Bowler spent last season with the Browns and Bills, starting 10 of 14 games while recording 44 catches for 547 yards and four touchdowns. Cooper leaves the NFL after a decorated career, finishing with over 10,000 receiving yards and 64 touchdowns across stops with the Raiders, Cowboys, Browns, and Bills. His departure opens additional opportunities for Thornton and fellow rookie Jack Bech to carve out meaningful roles in the Raiders' passing game this season.

Saturday, September 13, 4:32 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) will not play on Monday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a hamstring injury, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Kirk has yet to suit up for the Texans as a result of the injury. Without Kirk, rookie wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel could be in line for more snaps in Week 2. Texans tight end Dalton Schultz could also see an uptick in targets, as he's typically effective in the same areas of the field as Kirk. Still, outside of star wideout Nico Collins, none of Houston's skill position players profiles as a must-start fantasy option for Week 2.