Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or AJ Barner


Week 2 Projections

Fant. Pts. Rush. Yds. Rush TD Rec. Rec. Yds. Rec TD
6.1 0.0 0.0 2.6 25.8 0.1

Jonnu Smith News

Calvin Austin III, Jonnu Smith Considered Day-to-Day

Tuesday, August 12, 6:05 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that wide receiver Calvin Austin III (abdomen) and tight end Jonnu Smith (knee) are considered day-to-day. "Hopefully they're back sooner rather than later," Tomlin said. The head coach categorized Smith's injury as knee soreness, while Austin is working through a minor abdominal issue. It remains to be seen if either play will suit up for the second preseason game on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but even if they don't, they should be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September. Austin has the inside track to be the WR2 behind DK Metcalf this year, but that role is still unlikely to give the 26-year-old enough volume to make him an every-week starter in fantasy. Meanwhile, Smith lost most of his fantasy appeal in the offseason trade from Miami to Pittsburgh.


Week 2 Projections

Fant. Pts. Rush. Yds. Rush TD Rec. Rec. Yds. Rec TD
0.6 0.0 0.0 0.4 2.5 0.0

AJ Barner News

AJ Barner Impressing in Training Camp Practices

Sunday, August 10, 4:12 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner has looked "very promising" in training camp practices and is "currently the No. 1 tight end," according to Michael-Shawn Duggar of The Athletic. A fourth-round pick out of Michigan in the 2024 draft, Barner recorded 30 catches for 245 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games (six starts) as a rookie. Seattle released veteran tight end Noah Fant last month, which could be an indication of the confidence the organization has in Barner. However, the Seahawks also used a second-round pick in the 2025 draft at the position when they selected Elijah Arroyo, so Barner will still have in-house competition for targets and playing time.


Jonnu Smith vs. AJ Barner

Still trying to decide between Smith and Barner? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jonnu Smith is projected to score 6.1 points this week while AJ Barner is projected to score 0.6 points.