Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or DeMario Douglas

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, 3:51 PM

According to Taylor Kyles of CLNSMedia.com, New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas has been quarterback Drake Maye's No. 1 pass-catcher, and "it isn't close." The duo reportedly flashed their connection in Saturday's practice on a scramble drill, with the Liberty alum turning upfield and snagging a long touchdown. Douglas has been a star at camp, per Kyles, "consistently getting open" and "catching everything thrown his way," -- looking exceedingly comfortable in Josh McDaniels' offense. The sentiment surrounding Maye is that he'll take a significant step forward in Year 2. If that's the case, and Douglas is ascending to a prominent role in the offense, he'd be a steal at his current ADP, sitting just inside the top 200 in drafts. At first blush, he'll likely be a more valuable PPR asset. Still, it isn't often you find a team's No. 1 option in the double-digit rounds.