Who Should I Start? Jimmy Horn Jr. or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Friday, October 3, 3:12 PM

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that rookie wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. will "definitely" be a part of the team's wide receiver rotation, per Joseph Person of The Athletic. Horn Jr. has been a healthy scratch in each of Carolina's first four games but appears poised to make his NFL debut, perhaps in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) is eligible to return off Injured Reserve this week, but not guaranteed to play, and the team lost veteran wideout David Moore (elbow) to IR after he suffered an elbow injury in Week 4. On the other hand, second-year wide receiver Xavier Legette (hamstring) looks poised to return in Week 5 after a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury. If Horn Jr. is active for Week 5, he'll likely be battling with Legette and veteran Hunter Renfrow for playing time alongside standout rookie Tetairoa McMillan.

Saturday, October 4, 6:47 PM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. has yet to establish a consistent role in the team's offense, and his opportunities continue to dwindle as the Raiders shift toward heavier two-tight-end formations. In Week 4 against the Bears, Thornton saw just two targets and failed to record a catch, marking another quiet outing for the rookie. With Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker entrenched as the primary receivers and fellow rookie Jack Bech beginning to see occasional involvement, Thornton has fallen further down the depth chart. Until his target share increases or his role expands, fantasy managers can safely move on from Thornton in all formats. He remains a developmental stash at best, with little short-term fantasy appeal.