Who Should I Start? Casey Washington or Jordan Watkins

Saturday, September 13, 10:09 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington (concussion) did not pass the league's concussion protocol and will be inactive on Sunday against the Vikings. The 24-year-old had his best game in the NFL last week, hauling in three of his six targets for 33 yards, but suffered a concussion during the fourth quarter of the contest. The University of Illinois product's six targets were fourth-most on the team and more than veteran Ray-Ray McCloud III's five targets, potentially signaling a changing of the guard for the third wide receiver spot in the Atlanta offense, but it was likely more a product of Darnell Mooney's absence in Week 1 than anything else. With Mooney expected to play in Week 2 but with Washington out, we'll have to see how things shake out in Week 3 in order to get a better feel for Washington's role in this offense. For now, Washington can be left to the waiver wire in fantasy leagues.

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.