Who Should I Start? Chris Godwin or Mecole Hardman

Thursday, September 18, 12:08 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) is making good progress after returning to practice last week, but those who ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has spoken to think a return in Week 3 against the New York Jets "might be ambiguous." Godwin returning next week against the Philadelphia Eagles, however, "feels like a real possibility." The 29-year-old suffered an ugly, season-ending dislocated ankle in Week 7 of last year and returned to the practice field for the first time last Thursday. He avoided the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the season, so Godwin can return at any time once he's cleared. Fantasy managers stashing him in an IR spot have to be pleased by his progress, but make sure to temper expectations once he returns, especially since rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka should remain a bit part of the team's passing attack all year.

Tuesday, August 26, 1:11 PM

The Green Bay Packers are releasing wide receiver Mecole Hardman on Tuesday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Despite the Packers dealing with multiple injuries to their receiving corps in training camp, the Packers will move on from Hardman, who was looking to secure a depth role with the Packers after spending the first six years of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs. In his six NFL seasons, the 27-year-old pass-catcher has caught 178 of hi 258 targets for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns in 80 regular-season games (28 starts). Hardman also has plenty of special-teams experience and should be able to find work with another team for his versatility and speed during the 2025 season. Last year in 12 regular-season games (no starts) with KC, Hardman caught just 12 passe for 90 yards and no scores.