Who Should I Start? Collin Johnson or Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

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.

Friday, December 20, 1:48 PM

According to Turron Davenport of ESPN, wide receivers Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (ankle) and Tyler Boyd (foot) both returned to practice on Friday. This is a great sign for their status heading into the weekend as both were listed as non-participants during the first two practices of the week. Fantasy managers should monitor Friday's final injury report as both wideouts may carry an injury designation into the weekend given their non-participation earlier in the week. After tallying eight touchdown in eight games during Weeks 6 through 13, Westbrook-Ikhine has brought in just three passes over his past two games. Boyd has tallied at least 35 yards in three of his past four games while operating as the clear No.3 option. If one of the wideouts were to sit out, Calvin Ridley would see a significant uptick in targets.