Who Should I Start? Ben Skowronek or Jacob Cowing

Friday, October 10, 11:49 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (illness) was limited in practice earlier this week but carries no injury designation into a Week 6 showdown with the Cleveland Browns. Although the fifth-year pro has just one reception this season, he could be in line for additional opportunities on Sunday with Calvin Austin III (knee) sidelined. Scotty Miller and Roman Wilson may also step into expanded roles, but Skowronek logged the most snaps of the three in Week 4 before the team's bye. He's also the only one with any meaningful fantasy output this year, taking his lone catch into the end zone for a 22-yard score back in Week 1. With the Browns stifling the run through the first five weeks, quarterback Aaron Rodgers could be forced to throw the ball early and often. Skowronek can't be considered a viable option in most redraft formats, but he does have some sneaky appeal as a deep-league dart throw.

Wednesday, August 27, 10:59 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing (hamstring) was placed on the Injured Reserve list on Wednesday, guaranteeing that he will miss at least the first four games of the season. Cowing was battling a hamstring injury for most of training camp and suffered a major setback while trying to return for the team's final preseason game. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan provided a six-week return timeline for Cowing, making his IR placement an easy decision. The 24-year-old would have had a chance to make an early-season impact had he been able to stay healthy, as the 49ers' wide receiver room has been besieged by injuries behind WR1 Ricky Pearsall. With the delayed start, Cowing should be off the radar of fantasy managers for the time being. However, he could be an under-the-radar midseason pickup, depending on the status of currently sidelined 49ers wideouts Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jauan Jennings (calf).