Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or Brock Bowers

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.

Saturday, August 16, 6:45 PM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has seen his role shift under the new coaching staff in preseason games this year. After a dominant rookie year with 112 receptions for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns, Bowers was out-snapped 8-to-5 by Michael Mayer on Saturday. Mayer handled most first- and second-down work, while Bowers appeared primarily on third downs and passing situations. It's unclear if this is simply preseason management to limit wear and tear or an early sign of a new rotation. While still a TE1 with elite upside, Bowers' usage should be monitored heading into Week 1.