Who Should I Start? John Metchie III or Ja'Lynn Polk

Thursday, May 1, 12:17 AM

The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander projects Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III to be left off the 53-man roster entering the start of the 2025 season this fall after the team added receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in last week's draft. Houston also added Christian Kirk, Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios in free agency this offseason, creating a lot of competition for the 24-year-old, who has battled injuries and a cancer scare to produce just 40 catches for 412 yards and one touchdown since being drafted in the second round (44th overall) in 2022 out of Alabama. Alexander expects Metchie, Xavier Hutchinson, Berrios and Watson to be battling for the final two receiver spots this summer behind Higgins, Kirk and Nico Collins. Metchie is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025 and could be a trade candidate if it's clear he's not going to make the roster.

Thursday, May 29, 1:52 PM

New England Patriots former second-round wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder) isn't participating fully in voluntary organized team activities after having offseason shoulder surgery, according to Patriots.com's Evan Lazar. Polk has been running routes versus air during team periods with offensive assistant Riley Larkin and appears to be going full speed. The 23-year-old pass-catcher made a limited impact in 2024 in his rookie season, catching 12 of 33 targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games (seven starts). When he gets up to speed, Polk will be vying for playing time in a more crowded receiving corps that includes Stefon Diggs (knee), DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, Javon Baker, Mack Hollins and rookie third-rounder Kyle Williams. For now, Polk probably won't be a fantasy option in 12-team mixed leagues.