Who Should I Start? David Njoku or Malik Washington

Wednesday, October 22, 11:11 AM

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) will return to practice on Wednesday from the knee injury that sidelined him for the team's Week 7 win over the Miami Dolphins, per The Athletic's Zac Jackson. Additionally, Jackson reports that Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he is "hopeful" that Njoku will play in Week 8 against the New England Patriots. The 29-year-old recorded 23 catches for 223 yards and a touchdown on 36 targets across six games before getting injured. If Njoku returns, he would likely eat into the workload for Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who earned a team-high five targets in Njoku's absence in Week 7. As long as Njoku and Fannin Jr. are splitting snaps in Cleveland, both players are hard for fantasy managers to trust for anything beyond low-end starter production.

Wednesday, October 22, 11:59 AM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington has been one of the least efficient pass-catchers in the NFL so far this season, recording 21 catches on 33 targets for just 99 yards. Still, Washington saw a season-high eight targets in Week 7 and has earned at least five targets in all three games since the Dolphins lost wide receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) to a season-ending knee injury. With tight end Darren Waller (pectoral) considered week-to-week with a pectoral strain, there's a chance that Washington is Miami's number three option in the passing game behind wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back De'Von Achane in Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons. Washington also brings some potential for fantasy production as a rusher, as he's logged nine carries for 61 yards this season. It will be tough for fantasy managers to trust Washington as a starter until he shows some ability to be efficient with his touches. Still, he may be worth rostering in deep leagues given his recent uptick in usage and the opportunity for targets that exists in Miami.