Who Should I Start? Easton Stick or Kenny Pickett

Tuesday, August 26, 11:24 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Easton Stick was released on Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The move helped the Falcons trim their roster down to 53 players, and it leaves Atlanta with only Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins in its quarterback room. Stick appeared in all three preseason games, completing 54 of 78 pass attempts for 520 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also took five sacks. The former fifth-round pick spent his first six NFL seasons with the Chargers before inking a deal with Atlanta in April. Now, he'll look for a new landing spot as Week 1 approaches. NewOrleans.Football's Mike Triplett reported that the Saints looked into signing Stick before he wound up with Atlanta, so perhaps they'll continue to show interest now that he's a free agent again. Regardless of where the veteran quarterback ends up, he should be avoided in all fantasy leagues.

Thursday, September 4, 9:39 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (hamstring) logged a full practice on Wednesday and is cleared to suit up in Week 1 when the Raiders face the New England Patriots. Pickett began the offseason with the Cleveland Browns but was traded to the Raiders in exchange for a fifth-round pick. The former first-round pick has been dealing with a hamstring injury, but appears to have moved past it. Fantasy managers should expect Pickett to operate as the backup option to Geno Smith. Currently, Aidan O'Connell (wrist) is on the injured reserve, which means Pickett will likely be given all of those opportunities under center if Smith were to miss time. Last season, Pickett spent time as Jalen Hurts' backup in Philadelphia but was deployed as a starter across his first two seasons in Pittsburgh. He is only worth a look in deeper superflex leagues if he were to take over the starting job.