Who Should I Start? Javon Baker or Bryce Oliver

Wednesday, December 11, 9:45 PM

New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker (concussion) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice as he battles through the league's concussion protocol. It's unclear when the 22-year-old picked up his injury. Baker played just two snaps in New England's loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13, so it's possible it happened then. Though, it's a bit concerning that he's still in the league's protocol even after a bye in Week 14. He'll have two more chances to elevate his practice status ahead of the Patriots' Week 15 outing against the Arizona Cardinals. The rookie wideout has yet to haul in a pass this season but has worked as a return man for the Pats. If Baker can't play, running backs Antonio Gibson and JaMycal Hasty will handle most of the return duties.

Monday, August 26, 12:07 PM

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Bryce Oliver hauled in three passes for 52 yards and two touchdowns in the last preseason win over New Orleans. It was a mini breakout for the undrafted pass-catcher out of Youngstown State, who was having a quiet game until quarterback Malik Willis started looking his way in the fourth quarter, which led to two scores, along with the game-winner with 1:25 remaining. Oliver was not expected to compete for an active roster spot, but this performance definitely gives general manager Ran Carthon something to think about. Even so, with Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks, Tyler Boyd, Kyle Philips, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine having locked up roster spots at WR, it's tough to see a situation in which Oliver ends up on the active 53-man roster for the Titans. He is nowhere near any fantasy radar heading into the 2024-25 season.