Who Should I Start? K.J. Hamler or Freddie Swain

Saturday, August 24, 7:43 PM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver KJ Hamler saw a variety of usage in Saturday afternoon's preseason loss to the visiting Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium, catching each of his three passes for 11 yards and rushing three times for 21 yards and a touchdown in the defeat. Hamler, a wideout by trade, lined up as a running back before plowing his way past the end zone for a short Bills score in fourth quarter on Saturday against Carolina. After Hamler missed all of 2023 as he stepped away from football altogether for treatment of a heart issue, it was nice to see the 25-year-old former second-round pick make a significant impact in the preseason finale. There's a chance Buffalo keeps him on the 53-man roster as depth for the receiving corps following this solid performance, but Hamler is unlikely to see many opportunities in 2024.

Friday, August 25, 9:30 AM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Freddie Swain caught 6-of-8 targets and gained 33 yards during the team's 27-13 preseason loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The 25-year-old tied for the team lead in receptions Thursday night with his top competition for a roster spot, Deon Cain. Cain, however, gained nearly double the yardage and looked more explosive. With Tyrie Cleveland waived due to injury, the final wide receiver spot for the Eagles is up for grabs, and it seems to be down to Swain and Cain after their performances Thursday. Cain may have the upper hand due to being on the roster for a more extended period of time, but Swain should revert to the practice squad if he does not make the final 53-man roster after cutdowns.