Who Should I Start? Cooper Kupp or Diontae Johnson

Wednesday, September 27, 7:13 PM

When asked if he expects Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (hamstring) to come off Injured Reserve to make his season debut in Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Sean McVay said, "That's the hope." Kupp is "ramping up his workload" and "progressing," according to McVay. It's all good news for Kupp's fantasy managers hoping to get him back as soon as he's eligible, but we won't know more about his availability for Week 5 until the Rams begin practicing next week. In the 30-year-old's absence, both rookie Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell have been fantasy relevant, combining for 584 receiving yards in the first three games of the season. Kupp's return will surely put a damper on their overall upside and target shares, but how much remains to be seen.

Monday, September 18, 6:50 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hamstring) and running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (knee) on Injured Reserve on Monday and promoted running back Qadree Ollison from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster in a corresponding move. Johnson will now have to miss four games after injuring his hamstring in the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Pittsburgh also has a bye in Week 6, so the 27-year-old could return in Week 7 in a matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Fantasy managers should attempt to stash Johnson for now, as the 27-year-old should be heavily involved in the passing game once he's healthy again. In the meantime, George Pickens, Allen Robinson II and Calvin Austin III will be the team's three starting wideouts. Tight end Pat Freiermuth should also see an uptick in targets.