Who Should I Start? Brandin Cooks or Brian Thomas Jr.

Saturday, October 5, 1:15 PM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) is going on Injured Reserve on Saturday, which means he will miss at least the next four games. In a corresponding move, the Cowboys moved linebacker Nick Vigil to the active 53-man. Amani Oruwariye and Carl Lawson are also being elevated from the practice squad. Cooks had already been ruled out for Week 5's Sunday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but now he won't be eligible to return until Week 10 against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys have their bye in Week 7. This news certainly makes Jalen Tolbert more attractive as a waiver-wire pickup if he's still available in your league, as he's expected to see a substantial role increase as the WR2 in Dallas behind CeeDee Lamb with Cooks sidelined. Cooks caught nine of 19 targets for 91 yards and one touchdown in the first four weeks of the season.

Saturday, October 5, 1:31 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has a great opportunity to reach even greater heights in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. BTJ had six catches for 86 yards and a touchdown last week against the Houston Texans, and the Colts should be an easier matchup for the rookie. The Jaguars offense looked horrible to start the year but has slowly looked better as the year has progressed. Trevor Lawrence looked better last week, and was able to get both Christian Kirk and BTJ involved a lot in the passing game. Despite the team's early struggles, the first-round pick has exceeded expectations of fantasy managers so far and has not started slowly like many rookie receivers do. Evan Engram may return from injury this week providing more competition for targets, but that should more affect BTJ's red-zone usage, which hasn't been much as is. BTJ should continue to show off his speed and route-running against the Colts, making him a great flex play with WR2 upside.