Who Should I Start? Calvin Austin III or DeMario Douglas

Sunday, August 24, 10:59 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (abdomen) was spotted in pads and running routes during the team's practice on Sunday, per Nick Farabaugh of PennLive. Austin III has been dealing with an abdominal injury for the better part of a month, but it appears he's trending towards being ready to go for Week 1. The 26-year-old recorded 36 catches for 548 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games for Pittsburgh in 2024. He's expected to play a key role as the team's lead slot receiver in 2025. If Austin III can quickly develop chemistry with new Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, there's an opportunity for him to emerge as the number two target-earner in Pittsburgh behind DK Metcalf. He may end up being a value in fantasy as a late-round flier.

Monday, August 11, 1:10 PM

During the New England Patriots' walkthrough practice on Monday, quarterback Drake Maye has gone to wide receiver DeMario Douglas "a ton," according to Taylor Kyles. Douglas is on the rise on fantasy draft boards this year as one of the most productive and consistent wideouts for the Patriots during training camp. The 24-year-old slot receiver could flourish in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' system after he caught 66 of his 87 targets for 621 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games a year ago. The Patriots also have Stefon Diggs coming back from a torn ACL last year in Houston. If healthy, Diggs will be the team's WR1, but it doesn't mean that Douglas can't be fantasy relevant alongside him, mainly in PPR formats. Right now, Douglas is ranked at RotoBaller as the WR69, so fantasy managers won't need to spend much on him.