Who Should I Start? James Conner or Justin Jefferson

Thursday, May 29, 1:04 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) took part in voluntary organized team activities on Wednesday. "I'm ready," Conner said. "We ain't doing this forever." Conner injured his right knee in Week 16 of last year and had six touches before being pulled in Week 17. The Cardinals placed him on Injured Reserve for the Week 18 regular-season finale, but the 30-year-old veteran appears to be fine now and ready to go for the start of the 2025 season this fall. He racked up a career-high 1,518 scrimmage yards on 236 carries while catching 47 of 55 targets in 2024. It was the healthiest Conner had been in his career, so fantasy managers definitely should expect some more missed time given his age and physical running style. For now, he's still being considered a workhorse back in Arizona, but more injuries could give Trey Benson more of a role eventually.

Friday, August 1, 5:07 PM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) was on a side field during practice on Friday working out with trainers, according to Emily Leiker of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said there still isn't a timeline on Jefferson's full re-integration at practices, but that he would ramp back up into some work this week and that updates have been "really positive." The 26-year-old All-Pro wideout hasn't practiced with the rest of the team for a full week now, but the Vikings are likely just being overly cautious with one of the best pass-catchers in football. The Vikes want to rest Jefferson but also know he's going to need reps with quarterback J.J. McCarthy before the start of the regular season. We would expect him to return to the practice field sooner than later. Unless Jefferson's absence drags on longer, he should still be one of the first receivers taken in fantasy drafts.