Who Should I Start? DeAndre Hopkins or Khalil Shakir

Friday, July 25, 3:38 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (undisclosed) was back in action on Friday after missing the team's Thursday practice with an undisclosed ailment, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said previously that Hopkins was held out as a precaution, and that appears to be the truth. The 33-year-old Hopkins is likely someone who Baltimore will be judicious with in terms of practice workload anyway, so a single-day absence early in camp shouldn't be considered highly worrisome. Hopkins recorded 56 catches for 610 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games split between the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. He's more of a supporting piece at this point in his career, but he'll be in the mix with Rashod Bateman as a secondary target option at receiver for Baltimore behind Zay Flowers. The Ravens also have talented tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, so Hopkins could be looking at an even further reduced workload from what he saw last season.

Thursday, August 7, 9:38 AM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) is progressing nicely through a high ankle sprain, according to coach Sean McDermott, and the 25-year-old receiver is currently on pace to be ready for Week 1. Shakir had 100 targets in 15 games last season with career highs of 76 catches, 821 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. Shakir is expected to be the team's top receiver once again this season, and it's good news that he should be available for Week 1. If he's limited or does miss time, there would be more work for Keon Coleman and newcomers Elijah Moore and Joshua Palmer. While he will likely miss most of the preseason, Shakir's still a WR4 in standard leagues since he has such an established relationship with Josh Allen, but monitor his progress as the preseason continues.