Who Should I Start? Joe Burrow or Tyler Shough

Thursday, October 16, 9:05 PM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe), who suffered a serious turf-toe injury back in Week 2, is on track to return from Injured Reserve in mid-December, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Burrow is a month into a three-month recovery after having surgery for a Grade 3 turf-toe injury. Burrow has been doing well in his rehab and has not had any setbacks, which means he's still in play to return at the tail end of the regular season if the Bengals still have something to play for. He has told people he has every intention of playing again this year, but he just needs Cincinnati to stay in the hunt in the meantime. The 28-year-old isn't guaranteed to be in play for the fantasy playoffs, so managers shouldn't feel obligated to hold onto him in redraft leagues. Jake Browning struggled with turnovers (eight picks in four games) after replacing Burrow, leading Cincy to trade for veteran Joe Flacco to try and keep the team's playoff hopes alive.

Saturday, November 1, 10:31 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough took over for Spencer Rattler in the third quarter of the blowout loss to the Buccaneers, and head coach Kellen Moore will roll with the rookie for the rest of the season. In limited action thus far, Shough has completed 17 of 32 passes for 128 yards and an interception. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 219 pounds, he offers plenty of arm strength and averaged 9.7 yards per attempt last season at Louisville, highlighting his ability to attack downfield. While he offers little rushing upside, Moore said the team is "not looking back," so expect Shough to let it rip. He's a back-end QB2 or Superflex option against a tough Rams defense.