Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Quentin Johnston

Thursday, November 13, 12:17 PM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch left open the possibility that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) may not make it back to play at all in 2025, according to KNBR. "That's not the intention, the intention is to get Brandon back. We're not there yet, we just gotta get him to a place where we're comfortable opening that window, and see if he can make it back on the field. That is the intention. But we'll see, no absolutes there," Lynch said when asked if there was a scenario in which Aiyuk wouldn't make it back to play this year. The 27-year-old has been on the Physically Unable to Perform list all season after tearing his MCL and ACL in Week 7 of 2024. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team will not open Aiyuk's 21-day practice window this week, either, so he won't make his 2025 debut in Week 11 against the division-rival Cardinals. Fantasy managers still stashing Aiyuk may not want to get their hopes up.

Friday, November 14, 6:04 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (shin) is listed as questionable heading into Week 11, but put in a full practice on Friday, suggesting he is likely to play. Johnston led the team with 10 targets last week, finishing with five receptions for 42 yards. The Bolts' depleted offensive line is forcing Justin Herbert into quick throws, which has limited the deep connection with Johnston that we saw earlier in the season. Nonetheless, he faces a vulnerable Jacksonville Jaguars secondary that has allowed 31 receptions of 20 yards or more, which plays to Johnston's strengths. If cleared, he has a favorable matchup against CB Greg Newsome, who allows a 66.7% catch rate. Based on his recent target share and the matchup, Johnston is a viable boom-or-bust WR3 and is ranked as RotoBaller's WR26.