Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Josh Downs

Tuesday, July 29, 3:08 PM

The Washington Commanders have been lining up wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. in various spots as they look to take advantage of his versatility, according to John Keim of ESPN. Not only has Samuel caught passes and run the ball, but the Commanders have paired him with running back Austin Ekeler on kickoff returns. Samuel was a big-time all-around weapon for the San Francisco 49ers earlier in his career, but they traded him to Washington in the offseason after his production went backward. Samuel caught 51 of 81 targets for 670 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games last year. As a runner, he totaled just 136 yards on 42 attempts and added another score. The 29-year-old still believes he has "a lot left in the tank," and he'll have a chance to show it as a key piece in a talented Commanders offense led by second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Wednesday, May 28, 10:24 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (undisclosed) and tight end Drew Ogletree (undisclosed) both miss Wednesday's voluntary practice with soft-tissue injuries. Downs has had his share of injuries already through two NFL seasons, so although it's early in the offseason, his health is worth watching closely the closer we get to training camp and the preseason. The 23-year-old former third-rounder (79th overall) in 2023 out of North Carolina took a small step forward in 2024 with a 72-803-5 line on 107 targets over 14 games (eight starts). A lot of his production last year came with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco under center, and his 5-foot-9, 171-pound frame limits his overall upside. Downs' 2025 fantasy value will likely hinge on who wins the Colts' QB competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.