Who Should I Start? Jordan Matthews or Ricky Pearsall

Tuesday, November 12, 2:12 PM

The Carolina Panthers are releasing wide receiver Cam Johnson and tight end Jordan Matthews on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The team also activated veteran wideout Adam Thielen from Injured Reserve. Johnson went unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Northwestern and has spent time on the Cowboys and Panthers practice squad. Matthews, who began his career as a wide receiver out of Vanderbilt in 2014, has been with Carolina since 2023, but he only played in one game for the organization. These moves do not have any fantasy football impact.

Sunday, January 5, 10:47 PM

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall followed last week's breakout game with another strong showing in Sunday's 47-24 Week 18 loss to the Cardinals in Arizona. The Arizona native caught six of eight targets for 69 yards, including a six-yard touchdown grab on a contested slant pattern from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Pearsall, who started his 49ers career on a terrifying note -- being shot in the chest during an armed robbery attempt -- had an up-and-down year once he debuted in Week 7. Pearsall produced four fantasy-useful performances in 2024 but seven in which he was held below six half-PPR points. With momentum and the validation of his first-round pedigree this season, Pearsall could be an intriguing late-round fantasy pick in 2025 depending on the health of Brandon Aiyuk's knee, and if Pearsall can move past Jauan Jennings and/or Deebo Samuel Sr. in the 49ers' hierarchy.