Who Should I Start? Garrett Wilson or Calvin Austin III

Sunday, October 19, 11:53 AM

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee), who was listed as doubtful for Week 7 against the visiting Carolina Panthers, has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game. Wilson suffered a hyperextended knee in last week's loss in London to the Denver Broncos and was unable to practice all week. There is some optimism that Wilson will only have to miss one game, but it's unclear if he'll be in play to return for a Week 8 tilt next Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Wilson has been the team's clear WR1 through six weeks, so they'll have to adjust and use Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard, Arian Smith, and Isaiah Williams if they want to win their first game of the year against Carolina. Rookie tight end Mason Taylor could easily lead the Jets in targets this week with Wilson out. It's hard to recommend Reynolds or anyone else on Sunday for a flex spot in fantasy in what has been a bad Jets passing offense this year.

Tuesday, October 21, 12:45 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder), who has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, is scheduled to work back into practice this week, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. The head coach said he's "optimistic" for Austin potentially returning on Sunday night to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 8, but as always, his participation in practice will be the guide for whether he plays on Sunday. The 26-year-old wideout might need a full practice at some point this week to be cleared to play this weekend. If he does make his return, he should slot back in as Pittsburgh's WR2 behind DK Metcalf. In his four games this year before his shoulder injury, Austin had 10 catches on 17 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns. With six teams on bye in Week 8, Austin would be in play as at least a WR4/flex in fantasy football if he's able to make his return against the Packers.