Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Cedric Tillman

Tuesday, July 22, 2:37 PM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch says the team is "encouraged" about wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's (knee) recovery from the ACL and MCL tears that ended his 2024 season last October. However, Aiyuk is "not anywhere close to having a concrete timeline" to return to practices, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Aiyuk was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list on Friday, which means he can theoretically be activated at any point this offseason. Nevertheless, previous reporting has indicated Aiyuk is unlikely to be ready to go for the start of the regular season. In his absence, San Francisco will rely more heavily on receivers Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Demarcus Robinson, and Jacob Cowing. Rookie fourth-round wideout Jordan Watkins could also get more of a look in camp.

Saturday, July 26, 1:18 PM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (calf) is back at training camp practice on Saturday, according to The Athletic's Zac Jackson. Tillman left practice early on Friday with what appeared to be calf cramping, but he's back in action a day later and shouldn't have any concerns going forward. The 25-year-old former third-rounder (74th overall) in 2023 out of Tennessee came on strong midway through last season when Jameis Winston took over at quarterback, but a concussion cut his season short. Heading into his third year in the NFL, he should be a starter in three-wide sets for Cleveland next to Jerry Jeudy and Diontae Johnson. In his two seasons with the Browns, Tillman has caught 50 of 93 targets for 563 yards and three touchdowns in 25 games (nine starts). He has opportunity, but with either Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett at QB, Tillman's fantasy upside will be limited.