Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Ainias Smith

Saturday, September 13, 3:55 AM

Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers on September 9, returning to the team that gave him his start in the NFL in 2017. The signing was in light of injuries sustained in Week 1 by key pass catchers George Kittle (hamstring), who is now on injured reserve, and Jauan Jennings (shoulder), who is questionable for Week 2. Quarterback Brock Purdy (toe, shoulder) is also dealing with injuries and has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Saints. Taking over the offense will be Mac Jones, who was Bourne's teammate for three years in New England, from 2021 to 2023. Bourne should not be in starting lineups but could be a bench stash in deeper leagues in case he shows renewed chemistry with Jones, given Purdy might be facing a multi-week absence.

Tuesday, August 19, 9:35 AM

Second-year Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith has enjoyed a healthy training camp, and his coaches have taken notice. Last season, as a fifth-round rookie, he struggled through camp with a stress fracture in his shin that would eventually land him on Injured Reserve for two months. This year, he is healthy and competing for one of the Eagles' last receiver spots on the 53-man roster. He has played in each of the team's first two preseason games, catching a touchdown in both and returning punts and kicks, as his path to the roster may run through special teams. Smith has been competing with fellow second-year wideout Johnny Wilson and undrafted rookie Darius Cooper for one of the team's final roster spots, and on Sunday, the Eagles acquired former second-round pick John Metchie III from the Houston Texans. Whoever can win the camp battle will have little relevance in managed redraft leagues, but could be worth a stash in deep dynasty formats.