Who Should I Start? Javon Baker or Jalen Coker

Thursday, September 12, 2:43 PM

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker was a healthy scratch for the Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. While this is a concern for his future outlook, some first-year players take longer to adjust to the NFL than others. Patriots wide receiver coach Tyler Hughes said, "I think we'll see him more and more as the season goes on." Four Patriots wideouts saw targets in Week 1, including K.J. Osborn (six), Demario Douglas (three), Tyquan Thornton (three), and Ja'Lynn Polk (one). It's worth noting Kendrick Bourne (knee) is on the PUP list, but he could return as soon as Week 5. Fantasy managers should probably expect Baker to have little to no fantasy value in Year 1, but he could make noise later in his career and should continue to be stashed in deep dynasty leagues.

Friday, November 22, 1:27 PM

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) popped up on the Week 12 injury report and missed practice on Friday with a quad injury. The Panthers listed him as questionable to play in Sunday's contest against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. Given the fact that the 23-year-old's injury occurred in the final practice of the week, he may be on the wrong side of questionable for this weekend. The good news for the Panthers is that veteran Adam Thielen (hamstring), although also listed as questionable, is expected to play against KC for the first time since Week 3. If Coker plays, he won't be a recommended flex play in deep fantasy leagues with the return of Thielen. Coker has caught 17 of his 26 targets for 263 yards and one TD in his first seven NFL games. If he's ruled out on Sunday, David Moore would be in line to serve as Carolina's WR3.