Who Should I Start? Ja'Marr Chase or Brian Thomas Jr.

Monday, June 8, 4:25 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. said one of the focuses of his offseason was making sure he rehabbed and got his body back in the right place for the 2026 season after dealing with multiple injuries last year, according to Action Sports Jax. "It doesn't hurt to run," Thomas said. The ankle, shoulder, and wrist injuries that Thomas dealt with last year could help explain why he was so disappointing in his sophomore season after an incredible rookie campaign that saw him catch 87 of his 133 targets for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games played. The 23rd overall pick in 2024 out of LSU caught just 48 passes for 707 yards and two touchdowns in 2025 in 14 regular-season starts. The 23-year-old appears to be fully healthy going into Year 3, and improved chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence could go a long way towards him bouncing back in 2026, even with Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington set for key roles in the Jags' passing attack. Reaching his rookie-year heights isn't realistic, but at a discount this fall, fantasy managers should be willing to pull the trigger and roll the dice that Thomas can improve on his disappointing Year 2 numbers.