Who Should I Start? Jaylen Waddle or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Friday, September 12, 12:11 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) will suit up for a Week 2 divisional matchup against the New England Patriots on Sunday despite being on the injury report this week, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. Waddle suffered a minor shoulder injury in the Week 1 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts and put in a couple of limited practices this week heading into Friday. The 26-year-old looks fine after catching four of his five targets for only 30 yards last weekend while playing just 65 percent of the offensive snaps. It was an ugly showing for Waddle and the Dolphins' offense against Indy last weekend, but they'll try to get it turned around quickly against a very beatable Patriots squad. Until we see Miami's offense get it figured out after a disappointing 2024 campaign, Waddle will merely be a WR4/flex option in fantasy lineups.

Friday, September 12, 9:26 PM

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is expected to step in as the Washington Commanders' starter following the devastating Achilles injury to Austin Ekeler in Thursday night's 27-18 loss to Green Bay. Croskey-Merritt has flashed efficiency early, posting 14 carries for 99 yards and a touchdown through two games despite playing fewer than 33% of the snaps. With only Jeremy McNichols currently active alongside him, the rookie should handle the bulk of early-down rushing duties, while McNichols sees work in passing situations. Chris Rodriguez Jr., a healthy scratch in the first two games, is also a candidate to be active moving forward. While Croskey-Merritt entered the season as a deep sleeper, he suddenly finds himself in line for a heavy workload. He's now an important fantasy asset with starting potential for the remainder of the 2025 season.