Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Calvin Austin III

Tuesday, October 14, 3:21 PM

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Monday that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is getting "closer and closer" to returning to practice following his ACL and MCL tears in his right knee in Week 7 of last year. While the Niners aren't giving any specific date for a potential return to the practice field for Aiyuk, Shanahan mentioned Week 10 as a rough estimate, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Despite the Niners also dealing with injuries to receivers Jauan Jennings (ribs) and Ricky Pearsall and tight end George Kittle (hamstring), Aiyuk isn't going to be rushed back. And even if Aiyuk does return to practice ahead of the team's Week 10 game against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, it doesn't mean the former first-rounder would be active for his season debut that week. Once Aiyuk's practice window is open, the 49ers will have 21 days to officially activate him from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Fantasy managers who are stashing Aiyuk must remain patient.

Wednesday, October 15, 2:41 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) has been ruled out for Thursday night's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, marking his second straight missed game. Before suffering the injury, Austin had started all four contests, recording 10 receptions on 17 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns. In his absence, tight end Darnell Washington has seen an increased target share, while D.K. Metcalf continues to build strong chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers will face a favorable matchup against a Bengals defense ranked 31st overall, giving their passing attack an opportunity to stay productive even without Austin on the field.