Who Should I Start? Diontae Johnson or Puka Nacua

Thursday, October 17, 2:19 PM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is not practicing on Thursday due to an ankle injury. The 28-year-old also missed Wednesday's practice, so his status could legitimately be in doubt for the Week 7 game against the Washington Commanders. Johnson has also been in the middle of trade rumors, so his situation is worth monitoring. The former Pittsburgh Steeler got out to a slow start in his Carolina career, but he has been excellent since Andy Dalton took over the starting quarterback duties from Bryce Young. Johnson has scored at least 19.8 PPR fantasy points in three of his four games with Dalton under center, and the Commanders have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. That said, Johnson is a must-start if active. If he's not, rookie Xavier Legette has at least WR3 upside in the favorable matchup.

Monday, October 14, 3:04 PM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) will not practice this week, per Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. Week 7 was the earliest possible period of return for Nacua after reaggravating a preseason knee injury in Week 1. Still, it's no surprise seeing him shelved longer after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that he'd likely be unavailable for 5-to-7 weeks. The Rams have dealt with a litany of injuries on both sides of the ball this year, but things could be looking up for the offense, with wide receiver Cooper Kupp slated to work with trainers today. However, the 23-year-old will have to wait at least one more week for his return -- and likely longer. If Kupp fails to be designated as active again, wideouts Jordan Whittington, Tutu Atwell, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson will handle the pass-catching duties in the team's Week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.