Who Should I Start? DeVonta Smith or Kaleb Johnson

Friday, August 1, 1:51 PM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (back) is missing his fourth straight practice at training camp on Friday with back tightness, according to Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. However, on the bright side, Smith warmed up with the team and also ran some sprints with trainers, suggesting that he could be close to rejoining team drills this weekend. While it's something worth keeping an eye on for the Eagles' WR2, it sounds like fantasy managers shouldn't be worried at all that it's something that will linger into the regular season. The 26-year-old former 10th overall pick in 2021 out of Alabama has been one of the best No. 2 wideouts in football since entering the league, and he has two 1,000-yard seasons and 27 total touchdowns in four years in the NFL. RotoBaller has Smith ranked on the WR2/3 borderline for the upcoming campaign.

Thursday, July 31, 9:18 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson could have his potential fantasy upside capped by limited playing time since he has been struggling in pass protection. Johnson has had a few impressive practices for the Steelers since they drafted him in the third round, and the team even listed him as a co-starter alongside Jaylen Warren. However, he was regularly beaten badly in Mike Tomlin's "Backs on Backers" drills, and his fantasy upside could be reduced if he can't stay on the field in passing situations. He wasn't especially strong in pass protection at Iowa, and he still has a lot of room for improvement based on these early returns. Jaylen Samuels and Kenneth Gainwell are much more proven and trusted pass protectors, which could give them the advantage in playing time since the team will be very careful with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Johnson still has time to improve before Week 1, but it could definitely reduce his role in the timeshare if he continues to struggle in pass protection.