Who Should I Start? Carson Wentz or Calvin Austin III

Tuesday, October 21, 3:18 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Tuesday that veteran quarterback Carson Wentz (shoulder) will make another start in Week 8 on Thursday Night Football against the hosting Los Angeles Chargers, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Max Brosmer will serve as the backup, with J.J. McCarthy (ankle) likely serving as the emergency third QB on game day again. McCarthy will be Minnesota's starting QB again when he's fully recovered from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in Week 2, but the Vikes aren't going to rush the former first-rounder back. Barring a setback, it's more likely that McCarthy makes his return as the starter in Week 9 versus the division-rival Detroit Lions. Wentz has played through an injury to his left (non-throwing) shoulder since Week 5, but he's fine to play through it and will make for a low-end QB2 option in superflex leagues this week against the Bolts. He has completed 66.9% of his 142 pass attempts for 1,072 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions in his four starts in place of McCarthy.

Tuesday, October 21, 12:45 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder), who has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, is scheduled to work back into practice this week, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. The head coach said he's "optimistic" for Austin potentially returning on Sunday night to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 8, but as always, his participation in practice will be the guide for whether he plays on Sunday. The 26-year-old wideout might need a full practice at some point this week to be cleared to play this weekend. If he does make his return, he should slot back in as Pittsburgh's WR2 behind DK Metcalf. In his four games this year before his shoulder injury, Austin had 10 catches on 17 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns. With six teams on bye in Week 8, Austin would be in play as at least a WR4/flex in fantasy football if he's able to make his return against the Packers.