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.

Saturday, November 23, 2:31 AM

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall faces a tough road matchup against the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. Last week Pearsall turned in a donut, failing to catch either of two targets in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks. It was particularly disappointing though, since the game before in Tampa saw Pearsall catch his first touchdown en route to a six-target, four-catch, 73-yard performance. Even if Pearsall's ceiling is enticing, last week made it clear what his floor is. To make matters worse, San Francisco will be without its starting quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder), and possibly left tackle Trent Williams, who is questionable with an ankle issue. Backup Brandon Allen may well be up to the task of running the Niners' offense, but the risk is prohibitive for a player like Pearsall in fantasy. The rook is a low-end WR4 at best, with only deep-league managers considering a dart throw.