Who Should I Start? Charlie Jones or Jalen Brooks

Sunday, December 22, 11:43 AM

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (leg) and wide receiver Charlie Jones (groin) are both inactive again for Week 16 against the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Sunday. This will mark Brown's third straight missed game and sixth overall this season since Week 9. With the 28-year-old out again, expect Cordell Volson to make another start at left tackle while protecting quarterback Joe Burrow's blind side. Jones, meanwhile, has not suited up for the Bengals since Week 8 due to his groin injury. The 26-year-old has played in eight games in his second season in the NFL in 2024 and has caught his only target for a five-yard gain. With Jones out yet again, Khalil Herbert and Isaiah Williams will handle return duties on special teams. Brown and Jones will try to get ready to return in what could be a pivotal contest in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos.

Thursday, December 26, 9:41 PM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Brooks (knee) was upgraded to a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. Brooks sat out of practice to begin the week after missing last week's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Normally, the status of Brooks isn't too important, but he could be in line for a larger workload with fellow wideout CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) done for the season. The 24-year-old hasn't done much this season with 11 receptions for 165 yards and a touchdown in 12 games. He's too risky of a streaming choice to trust in important fantasy championship games this weekend.