Who Should I Start? Joshua Palmer or J.J. McCarthy

Thursday, December 4, 2:44 PM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (knee, ankle) was listed as a non-participant for Thursday's practice session, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN reports. Palmer is trending in the wrong direction to play in Sunday's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals after beginning the week with two missed practices. The 26-year-old hasn't played a big role for the Bills when healthy, collecting 18 receptions for 272 yards and zero touchdowns on 29 targets in eight games. With Palmer's limited impact and Keon Coleman's disappointing second season, the Bills have signed multiple free agents off the street for wide receiver help, bringing back Gabe Davis and recently signing a speed threat in Brandin Cooks after he was released by the New Orleans Saints. Davis and Cooks could see the field more on Sunday if Palmer does not play, but they are both deep-league dart throws, at best.

Thursday, December 4, 4:27 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been cleared from the NFL's concussion protocol, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert. The 22-year-old missed Minnesota's Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but it appears he's on track to return to the field for the team's Week 14 matchup against the Washington Commanders. McCarthy has struggled mightily across six starts this season, completing 54.1% of his pass attempts for 929 yards, six touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. However, with McCarthy injured in Week 13, backup quarterback Max Brosmer threw four interceptions and Minnesota was shut out by the Seattle Seahawks. McCarthy at least remains a credible threat with his legs, as he's rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns on 23 rushing attempts this season. He profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 in Week 14 against Washington.