Who Should I Start? Collin Johnson or James Proche

Saturday, September 14, 3:00 PM

With wide receivers Keenan Allen (heel) and Rome Odunze (knee) listed as questionable for Sunday night's game in Houston, the Chicago Bears have elevated wide receiver Collin Johnson from their practice squad. Johnson, who was released by the Giants during final cuts in 2023, was signed to the Bears' practice squad on October 10th and was later promoted to the active roster. He played 40 snaps over the last three games of the season, catching one pass for 11 yards. Johnson showcased his potential during the preseason, recording three catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns in the Hall of Fame Game against the Texans on August 1. Despite this, he did not play in the subsequent three preseason games due to injury and failed to make the Bears' 53-man roster. If Allen or Odunze are unable to play, the Bears will miss the size and physicality that Johnson, standing 6'6" and weighing 222 pounds, can provide. Johnson has had more time to learn the offense and could fill that gap. While he doesn't need to be rostered in fantasy leagues at this time, he could be a useful emergency fill-in if both Allen and Odunze are sidelined.

Tuesday, March 19, 7:22 PM

The Cleveland Browns re-signed wide receiver/kick returner James Proche II to an undisclosed deal on Tuesday. Proche, a former sixth-round selection by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020 out of SMU, didn't catch any of his five targets in 10 regular-season games (one start) in 2023 in his first year with the Browns. He did, however, return 22 points for 197 yards and one kickoff for a gain of 19 yards last year. The 27-year-old has a grand total of 25 career receptions on 45 targets for 278 yards and no touchdowns in 53 games (one start) in his four NFL seasons, so he's not going to be a factor suddenly on offense for Cleveland in 2024. Proche will, however, give the Browns another option to return kicks on special teams yet again.