Who Should I Start? Cedric Tillman or Calvin Austin III

Tuesday, December 31, 12:06 PM

The Cleveland Browns placed wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, meaning he will not be able to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Tillman suffered a concussion in the Week 12 upset win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and was never able to make it back onto the field to close out his second year in the NFL due to his head injury. It's a shame, too, since the 24-year-old wideout had just been coming into his own as a big part of Cleveland's passing attack at the time when quarterback Jameis Winston was giving a spark to an offense that looked dead in the water with Deshaun Watson (Achilles). From Weeks 7-11, Tillman caught 24 passes on 40 targets for 302 yards and three TDs. He should be fully ready for next year, but his fantasy value will all hinge on what Cleveland does at QB.

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.