Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Brian Thomas Jr.

Friday, September 5, 4:43 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) has been officially ruled out for the Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. As expected, Kirk won't suit up in Week 1 after missing practice this week. The hope is that Kirk can play in Week 2, but that remains uncertain as hamstring injuries have a tendency to linger. The absence of Kirk should mean that Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel have larger roles in the offense. Nico Collins remains the focal point in the passing game, but both rookies could actually have a decent usage in the season opener.

Thursday, August 7, 12:52 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (illness) is back at training camp practice on Thursday, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN. Thomas returns after sitting out on Wednesday while being under the weather. Head coach Liam Coen said that "everybody" will play in the preseason opener this Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, so Thomas should be on the field. The 22-year-old is a top-10 fantasy wideout going into his second NFL campaign after impressing to the tune of 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games (16 starts) as a rookie. The Jags added two-way star Travis Hunter in the first round this year, and he should take over immediately as the WR2 across from Thomas to help draw some attention away from him. In Coen's offense, Thomas could be even more prolific in Year 2.