Who Should I Start? Charlie Jones or Xavier Smith

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.

Saturday, August 16, 11:52 PM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith caught all four of his targets for 48 receiving yards during Saturday's preseason victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. He also rushed for five yards. Smith has been quite productive this summer. He paced the team with 55 receiving yards last week, and he now has a total of eight touches and 108 scrimmage yards through two preseason contests. NFL opportunities have been few and far between for the 27-year-old Florida A&M product, but he did total six receiving yards, 36 rushing yards, and a pair of first downs in 2024. Los Angeles' first four wide receiver spots are essentially locked up, which means they only have two or three spots to divide over seven remaining receivers (Smith, Tru Edwards, Mario Williams, Konata Mumpfield, Drake Stoops, Britain Covey, and Brennan Presley).