Who Should I Start? DeVonta Smith or Brandon Aiyuk

Tuesday, July 29, 10:06 AM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (back) is sitting out of practice again on Tuesday with back tightness. Smith also missed practice on Monday with the ailment, although there's nothing to suggest that he is dealing with anything serious. The Eagles are likely taking it easy with the veteran as he looks to gear up for his fifth NFL season. Smith caught 68 passes for 833 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games for the Eagles in their Super Bowl-winning season. Assuming his back tightness isn't anything more serious, he sets up as a solid low-end WE2/high-end WR3 heading into fantasy draft season.

Wednesday, July 30, 3:07 PM

According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, the San Francisco 49ers are still unsure when Brandon Aiyuk (knee) will return to action. The 2023 All-Pro selection was the talk of the offseason last year as he negotiated a new contract following a 1,300-yard campaign, and unfortunately, he tallied just 374 receiving yards and no touchdowns in seven games before suffering a torn ACL in 2024. The 27-year-old could be set to start the new season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP), which would require him to sit out at least the first four games. Dynasty fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, and his cost in preseason redraft leagues is likely to continue to decline. Aiyuk could have a productive finish to the 2025 campaign if he can return to form, but it would be a surprise if he's a solid fantasy contributor early in the season. Wide receivers Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall stand to gain the most value in Aiyuk's absence.