Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Thursday, September 25, 12:43 PM

The Athletic's David Lombardi reports that it doesn't look like Week 6 is a realistic date to expect wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list based on general manager John Lynch's recent comments. Aiyuk did not suffer a "clean" ACL tear -- he also had damage to his MCL -- in Week 7 of last year, hence a longer recovery. However, Lombardi added that Aiyuk hasn't had any setbacks during his recovery, and he's been seen sprinting at practices. Lynch said that the 27-year-old wideout is "not close" to coming off the PUP list in 2025. Fantasy managers who are stashing the former first-rounder are going to need to stay patient. In the meantime, receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) will remain the top pass-catchers for the banged-up Niners with tight end George Kittle (hamstring) out.

Wednesday, September 17, 6:32 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has operated as the team's No. 4 receiver so far this season, but he could move up the depth chart for Week 3 against the Bills, depending on the status of Jaylen Waddle (shoulder, questionable). Westbrook-Ikhine could potentially help fill the middle of the field in the absence of Darren Waller (hip) for a third straight week, but so far, his role has been minimal. He played 21 snaps in Week 1 and 16 snaps in Week 2. He was targeted multiple times in both games, finishing with one catch for seven yards in Week 1 and two catches for 18 yards in Week 2. If Waddle is out or limited, Westbrook-Ikhine could be very important for Thursday Night Football DFS contests as a bargain option. He's the WR102 in the RotoBaller Week 3 rankings, though, so he's still a ways from season-long relevance.