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.

Friday, September 12, 1:21 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) is missing his second straight day of practice on Friday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Kirk missed the Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday and looks primed to miss his second straight game to begin the 2025 season in Monday night's tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, the 28-year-old has one more chance to practice on Saturday. But as of now, fantasy managers shouldn't like Kirk's chances of playing in Week 2. Rookie Jaylin Noel was expected to see most of the slot duties in Week 1 with Kirk out, but he caught just one of two targets for seven yards. The Texans spread the ball around and couldn't do much on offense against the Rams. Expect Nico Collins to continue to see the vast majority of looks in the passing attack if Kirk sits, with Noel, rookie Jayden Higgins, and Xavier Hutchinson battling for secondary looks.