Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Jalen Tolbert

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.

Sunday, November 23, 3:43 PM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (coach's decision) and running back Jaydon Blue (coach's decision) are healthy scratches for Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. Both players will be inactive. Tolbert had not previously missed a game this season, but his demotion is not necessarily a surprise, given that his snap share has been below 20% in each of the Cowboys' last three games. He has just 14 catches for 172 yards and one touchdown on offense, plus five kick returns on special teams. Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin should earn more opportunities in his absence. Meanwhile, Blue has been active for just four games during his rookie campaign, averaging 2.95 yards per carry. Dallas is carrying just two running backs (Javonte Williams and Malik Davis) into Sunday's game, as well as fullback Hunter Luepke.