Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Cedric Tillman

Thursday, September 25, 12:43 PM

The Athletic's David Lombardi reports that it doesn't look like Week 6 is a realistic date to expect wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list based on general manager John Lynch's recent comments. Aiyuk did not suffer a "clean" ACL tear -- he also had damage to his MCL -- in Week 7 of last year, hence a longer recovery. However, Lombardi added that Aiyuk hasn't had any setbacks during his recovery, and he's been seen sprinting at practices. Lynch said that the 27-year-old wideout is "not close" to coming off the PUP list in 2025. Fantasy managers who are stashing the former first-rounder are going to need to stay patient. In the meantime, receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) will remain the top pass-catchers for the banged-up Niners with tight end George Kittle (hamstring) out.

Thursday, September 25, 10:19 PM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (hand, hip) logged his second consecutive limited practice session on Thursday while dealing with multiple injuries. Tillman remains as Cleveland's obvious WR2 through three weeks, as he and Jerry Jeudy are the only wideouts to eclipse 100 snaps, boasting 90 more than the next pass-catcher (Isaiah Bond). However, the 25-year-old sustained two injuries in Week 3's 13-10 win against the Green Bay Packers, putting his status for Week 4 in question. Tillman hasn't missed a practice yet, which is a positive sign for his potential designation. Still, he'll likely need to get in a full session before suiting up for their meeting with the hosting Detroit Lions. Bond is the most likely candidate to fill in if Tillman can't go, with teammate Jamari Thrash operating as their third WR. Tight ends David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. would also get a boost.