Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Xavier Worthy

Monday, October 21, 7:20 PM

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Monday that wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) was sent to the hospital with fluid in his lungs and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Samuel played just four offensive snaps before leaving the Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and never returning on Sunday, and Shanahan said there's no timetable for the 28-year-old's return, meaning he could miss the Week 8 contest against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Meanwhile, Brandon Aiyuk tore his right ACL and MCL on Sunday and is out for the rest of the season. Jauan Jennings (hip) missed the Week 7 game, but he's expected to return this Sunday and could be quarterback Brock Purdy's WR1 if Samuel is out. Rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing and Ronnie Bell could also be thrust into bigger roles moving forward, pending the health of Samuel.

Sunday, October 20, 10:12 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had three catches for 19 yards in the 28-18 win against the San Francisco 49ers. Worthy completed three catches on a team-leading eight targets in the contest. Worthy also had one carry for five yards in this contest. Despite the ball heading his way more than any other pass catcher, Worthy could not turn opportunity into a big game. Kansas City is trying to increase Worthy's usage, but it is up to the rookie receiver to step up to the plate. Thankfully, Worthy will have more favorable matchups moving forward since the Niners are one of the most well-rounded defensive units in the league. Worth and the Chiefs will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8. Despite the Raiders giving up the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers, Worthy's involvement out of the backfield and designed plays should keep his usage high in the team's next matchup. Worthy is a high-upside flex play as long as you can stomach his low floor.