Who Should I Start? Jalin Hyatt or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Wednesday, August 13, 12:50 PM

New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (undisclosed) returned for Wednesday's joint practice against the New York Jets, according to Paul Schwart of the New York Post. It's unclear why Hyatt was held out of the preaseason opener on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills, but he's back at practice now and should be able to suit up for the second preseason game against the Jets. It's unclear if his recent absences had anything to do with the minor lower-body injury that he suffered early in training camp. The 23-year-old should have more opportunities on offense with Malik Nabers (shoulder, toe) still being held out with multiple nagging injuries. In 16 games in 2024, Hyatt disappointed with eight catches on only 19 targets for 62 yards. Hyatt isn't even in the top 100 receivers at RotoBaller for the upcoming season.

Friday, September 12, 1:50 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. was quiet in the team's Week 1 win over New England, logging just two catches on four targets for 45 yards while playing 60% of the snaps. Encouragingly, he drew more targets than Tre Tucker despite fewer snaps, and the Raiders leaned on the passing game as Geno Smith threw for 362 yards. With Chip Kelly determined to stretch the field, Thornton's speed keeps him in play as a stash with big-play potential. The Week 2 matchup adds intrigue, as the Chargers just allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in Week 1, giving Thornton an outside chance to make noise if he sees increased usage. Until his role grows, he's best kept on benches, but the upside is worth monitoring.