Who Should I Start? James Conner or Kendrick Bourne

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.

Tuesday, July 15, 2:11 PM

There are as many as five wide receivers battling for one or two roster spots this summer with the New England Patriots, including Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, according to Patriots.com's Evan Lazar. Bourne could have a leg up, as he has a history with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, posting a career-high 925 scrimmage yards with McDaniels in 2021. However, Bourne has overlapping skill sets with younger receivers on the roster, and the Pats may prefer to go with youth, especially since Bourne carries a $7.7 million salary cap hit. Boutte, who broke out last year for 43 catches, 589 yards and three scores, could earn a roster spot because of his ability to excel deep down the field. He has also developed some nice chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye. Polk and Baker both disappointed in their rookie seasons and will need to show more to get a chance in 2025.