Who Should I Start? Jermaine Burton or Tyler Scott

Wednesday, September 11, 8:32 PM

When asked if Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton would warrant more snaps if Tee Higgins (hamstring) remains out in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Zac Taylor said, "I think Jermaine is making progress." Higgins hurt his hamstring last Thursday in practice and didn't play in the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots. It wasn't a good sign that the 23-year-old Burton played just 8% of the offensive snaps behind Ja'Marr Chase, Andrei Iosivas, Trenton Irwin and Charlie Jones. Burton was selected in the third round of the NFL draft back in April but reportedly struggled with his professionalism during offseason workouts and in training camp. The talent is there, but it sounds like Burton needs to mature behind the scenes before he can expect to have any kind of significant role in the Bengals offense. He's merely a dynasty/keeper stash for now.

Sunday, September 8, 11:38 AM

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson and wide receiver Tyler Scott are both healthy scratches for Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. This news offers some insight into the Bears' offensive pecking order this year, with Johnson's absence being particularly interesting. He was a fourth-round pick in 2023 and made a solid impression as a rookie last year, but the Bears will opt for Travis Homer as their third-string running back behind starter D'Andre Swift and backup Khalil Herbert. Scott's absence is less of a surprise but still noteworthy considering he played 17 games in 2023 and is coming off a solid preseason. Regardless of Scott's availability, DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze are locked in as the Bears' top three receivers.