Who Should I Start? Kayshon Boutte or Jalen McMillan

Friday, November 21, 2:12 PM

New England wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) has responded well to a week of practice, and he is expected to return to action when the Patriots face the Bengals in Week 12. Boutte missed the last two games after exiting the Patriots' Week 9 win over the Falcons with a hamstring injury. In his absence, veteran receiver Mack Hollins has stepped in as the team's most prolific deep threat, catching 10 of his 15 targets for 170 yards in wins over the Buccaneers and Jets. With Boutte back in action, the expectation is that Hollins will return to a role closer to the line of scrimmage and Boutte will continue to see work downfield. Boutte's 17.7-yard average depth of target ranks fifth among qualified wide receivers, and he is one of only three receivers with an ADoT above 13 yards and a reception percentage above 70%, illustrating his chemistry with Drake Maye and value within this offense. Against a subpar Bengals defense, he should be right back in play as a high upside flex play.

Thursday, November 20, 1:30 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) was seen on Thursday without a neck brace, and he's supposedly targeting a return in December, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. McMillan's 21-day practice window has not yet been opened, though, as he recovers from multiple broken bones in his neck and a severe sprain that he suffered in the preseason. It's good news that the 23-year-old might be able to return next month as the Bucs push toward a playoff berth, especially with veteran wideout Mike Evans (collarbone) unlikely to contribute again during the regular season. McMillan's role if/when he returns is unclear, though, and injured receiver Chris Godwin (leg) could also be back by then. McMillan may be the WR4 behind Godwin and rookies Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson when he's activated, which means he shouldn't be a priority stash in fantasy leagues at this time.