Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Marvin Mims Jr.

Monday, August 11, 5:05 PM

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn't thought about it much, but said that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) might return in Week 6. General manager John Lynch already said that he didn't think Aiyuk would be ready for Week 1 of the regular season in early September, but now it looks like the 27-year-old pass-catcher will be out much longer after tearing both his MCL and ACL in his right knee last October. Aiyuk is expected to begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which will require him to miss at least the first four games. He has not practiced with the team at all this year. Obviously, this is a big hit to Aiyuk's 2025 fantasy value. Aiyuk is stash-worthy in fantasy leagues that have designated Injured Reserve spots. In Aiyuk's absence, both Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall stand to benefit as key members of the passing attack.

Sunday, August 10, 12:41 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. notably participated in all three series with the first-string offense during Saturday's 30-9 win against the San Francisco 49ers. Mims Jr. and the rest of the starters played into the second quarter in their preseason debut, and it likely would have been just two opportunities if their second possession didn't end in an intentional grounding-induced safety. The 23-year-old pulled in his lone target for a gain of three yards, which is negligible primarily, as the real story here is that he left the field, while fellow wideouts Pat Bryant, Devaughn Vele, and Troy Franklin finished out the half. That Mims Jr. is locked in as the team's No. 2 pass-catcher isn't set in stone, but he seems to be at least leading the rest of the pack at this point. He's currently an afterthought in drafts, selected just inside the top 300.