Who Should I Start? Calvin Austin III or Ja'Lynn Polk

Wednesday, April 30, 1:43 PM

The Athletic's Mike DeFabo writes that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has the inside track to win the starting job in the slot in 2025, with DK Metcalf and George Pickens locked in to start on the outside. However, Roman Wilson will challenge Austin for playing time in training camp this summer after missing virtually his entire rookie season due to multiple injuries. Metcalf, Pickens, Austin and Wilson are probably locks for the 53-man roster, with Ben Skowronek the most likely candidate for the fifth spot because of his value on special teams as a gunner. The Steelers could also elect to take newcomer Robert Woods as a big-bodied slot receiver and willing blocker. With questions at quarterback in Pittsburgh, it's hard to get excited about anyone in fantasy beyond Metcalf and Pickens for the 2025 season.

Friday, January 3, 6:55 PM

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder) did not practice at all this week and has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, fellow wideout Kayshon Boutte (illness) was cleared to play. The 22-year-old Polk will finish off what has been a bad rookie season early due to a shoulder injury. The second-round selection just never had much of a chance to excel in 2024 in a bad offense with rookie quarterback Drake Maye struggling to find his footing with limited weapons around him. Polk will finish his first year in the NFL with only 12 catches on 33 targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games (seven starts). The Patriots will surely look to bring in upgraded receiving options this offseason, giving Polk and others even more competition.