Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Cedric Tillman

Tuesday, November 4, 9:45 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) has not yet played this season as he recovers from the devastating knee injury he suffered seven games into his 2024 campaign. Aiyuk appears to be multiple weeks away from a return, as the team is not opening his 21-day practice window ahead of its Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. In his last healthy season in 2023, Aiyuk recorded 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 targets across 16 games. There's no questioning the 27-year-old's ability to be productive when he's on the field; it's just a matter of when Aiyuk's knee will be healthy enough for him to return. Fantasy managers should have minimal expectations for Aiyuk's 2025 production. Still, in leagues with IR spots, Aiyuk could be a low-risk flier worth stashing.

Monday, November 3, 11:54 AM

Per the team, the Cleveland Browns have activated the practice window for wide receiver Cedric Tillman (hamstring). Defensive back Damontae Kazee was released in a corresponding move. Tillman picked up a hamstring injury in Cleveland's Week 4 loss to the Lions that sent him directly to injured reserve. As of now, the team will have 21 days to activate him. The Browns can undoubtedly use another option out wide, as the offense has been stagnant under rookie signal-caller Dillon Gabriel. The situation in Cleveland isn't ideal, though, as Gabriel has barely been able to support one fantasy-relevant pass-catcher. Moreover, it isn't out of the question that fellow rookie QB Shedeur Sanders (back) eventually gets a shot to make the offense his own. Tillman is a decent grab-and-stash option for now. However, he isn't as tantalizing a play as he was earlier this season with veteran Joe Flacco at the helm.