Who Should I Start? Keandre Lambert-Smith or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Friday, January 9, 4:31 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith (hamstring) did not practice all week and has been ruled out for Sunday night's Wild-Card playoff contest against the hosting New England Patriots. Lambert-Smith got more playing time in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos with the Bolts resting some starters, but he injured his hamstring and won't be available for the start of the postseason. The 23-year-old had a very limited role in his first year in the NFL with the Chargers, catching just five passes on 12 targets for 51 yards and one touchdown in 10 games played. Lambert-Smith's absence against the Pats could lead to some more playing time for Tre' Harris behind Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston.

Wednesday, December 31, 12:25 AM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. has had a quiet rookie season, recording 10 catches (29 targets) for 135 yards and zero touchdowns in 14 games. Thornton earned steady playing time out of the gate -- 61.8% of the snaps over the first five weeks -- and drew at least two targets in each game. Known for his speed and big-play ability as a prospect, he showcased his explosiveness for the Raiders in the first three games of his career, hauling in five of his 12 targets for 94 yards. The Tennessee product posted a 25% explosive-catch rate, tied for the highest in the league among receivers with at least 12 targets during that span. The rookie fourth-rounder's snaps eventually faded, beginning in Week 11, where he played on only 38.3% of snaps and gradually declined every week until bottoming out to 7.4% in Week 16. However, in Week 17, with the Raiders competing for the No. 1 overall pick, Thornton's snaps spiked to 78%. He recorded just two catches (four targets) for 12 yards, but he had his most receptions and targets in a game since Week 3. Looking to 2026, Thornton profiles as a big-play threat who is unlikely to be a consistent producer week to week.