Who Should I Start? Brandin Cooks or Ladd McConkey

Friday, November 22, 5:17 PM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable to make his return for the team's Week 12 divisional meeting with the Washington Commanders on Sunday. Cooks remains on Injured Reserve, so if the Cowboys want him to play this weekend, they'll need to activate him by the deadline on Saturday. An infection in the 31-year-old's right knee required surgery, and he's been on IR since Week 5. If Cooks is activated and active on Sunday, he could operate as Dallas' No. 3 wideout behind CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert in an offense that is now being run by quarterback Cooper Rush with Dak Prescott (hamstring) out for the year. Cooks was already a low-upside, touchdown-dependent WR4/flex in fantasy before his injury, so he won't have much fantasy appeal upon his return.

Friday, November 22, 4:55 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder) returned to practice on Friday, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. This is a great sign, as McConkey was listed as a DNP during Thursday's initial session. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Saturday's practice, as it will likely provide some clarity on his availability for Monday's game. McConkey sustained this injury during last Sunday's victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. In this game, the Georgia product posted a season-high 123 yards off six receptions. If McConkey can suit up on Monday, he should be viewed as a must-start option facing a Baltimore secondary that has allowed the most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.