Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Colby Parkinson

Tuesday, December 2, 11:37 AM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said he is "not sure" but "hopeful" when asked if it's realistic to expect wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to take the field in 2025, per David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Aiyuk tore multiple ligaments in his knee in Week 7 of the 2024 season and has yet to play in a game since. Aiyuk was one of the most efficient wide receivers in the NFL in the last full season he played back in 2023, recording 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 targets. However, it appears as though he may not be healthy until 2026. Aiyuk also may be locked into a contract stand-off with the team, as the 49ers reportedly voided guarantees in his current contract. Between the injury and the contractual issues, fantasy managers should likely proceed as though Aiyuk will not play a fantasy-relevant role in 2025.

Thursday, December 11, 10:42 AM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has emerged as the starter in replacing veteran Tyler Higbee. Since Higbee (ankle) was placed on the injured reserve before Week 12, Parkinson has had 11 catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns in the last three games. The former Seahawks starter has hauled in a touchdown in four of his last five games and ranks as the TE8 during that span. Unfortunately, the tight end rotation in Los Angeles is tight. In Week 14, Parkinson played 72% of the snaps, while Davis Allen played 75%, and rookie Terrance Ferguson played 67%. Whether it was due to a blowout victory by the Rams or a changing of the guard, fantasy managers in deeper leagues will need to monitor this room.