Who Should I Start? Bryce Oliver or Jordan Watkins

Monday, August 26, 12:07 PM

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Bryce Oliver hauled in three passes for 52 yards and two touchdowns in the last preseason win over New Orleans. It was a mini breakout for the undrafted pass-catcher out of Youngstown State, who was having a quiet game until quarterback Malik Willis started looking his way in the fourth quarter, which led to two scores, along with the game-winner with 1:25 remaining. Oliver was not expected to compete for an active roster spot, but this performance definitely gives general manager Ran Carthon something to think about. Even so, with Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks, Tyler Boyd, Kyle Philips, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine having locked up roster spots at WR, it's tough to see a situation in which Oliver ends up on the active 53-man roster for the Titans. He is nowhere near any fantasy radar heading into the 2024-25 season.

Tuesday, October 14, 3:35 PM

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins (calf) is expected to resume practicing this week, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Watkins, a fourth-round selection back in April's NFL draft, has yet to make his NFL debut in 2025 due to a calf injury. It's been a major theme for the Niners so far this year as they continue to struggle with injuries, mainly to their offense. Watkins has been unable to take advantage of opportunities created by injuries to receivers Jauan Jennings (ribs) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) and tight end George Kittle (hamstring). It remains to be seen how much of a role the 23-year-old will have once he gets past his calf injury, but by then, the team's other primary pass-catchers might also be fully healthy. For now, Watkins is only a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper leagues.