Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Calvin Austin III

Wednesday, October 29, 8:25 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (hip) didn't take the field for Wednesday's practice session. Downs sat out in Week 7 due to a concussion, but made his return to the field last weekend. He hauled in all three of his targets for 39 yards with a touchdown in the win over the Tennessee Titans. It's worth noting that Downs was on the field for a season-high 64 percent of the offensive snaps last weekend. When healthy, Downs appears to be earning more playing time in Indy. Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the week. Downs should be able to offer flex value for the Week 9 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tuesday, October 28, 8:46 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III returned to action in Week 8 after missing two games with a shoulder injury, finishing with four receptions for 28 yards in a loss to the Green Bay Packers. While his six targets were second-most on the team, Austin was outshined by second-year wideout Roman Wilson, who led the Steelers with 74 yards and a late touchdown. Wilson's growing involvement will be worth monitoring, but for the time being, Austin remains the team's WR2 behind DK Metcalf. Encouragingly, he played on 78% of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps, well ahead of Wilson's 46% snap share. Nonetheless, Austin cannot be trusted in most fantasy lineups. He profiles as a boom-or-bust WR4 in an enticing Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.