Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Christian Watson

Tuesday, September 16, 11:41 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne operated as the team's No. 3 receiver in Week 2, just five days after signing with the team. In San Francisco's 26-21 win over New Orleans, Bourne caught all three of his targets for 32 receiving yards. His production expectedly lagged behind Jauan Jennings (ankle) and Ricky Pearsall, but he outsnapped Marques Valdez-Scantling 33 to eight. This is Bourne's second stint with the 49ers, the team that signed him as a rookie in 2017. After hitting free agency in 2021, Bourne signed with the Patriots and spent three years there with Mac Jones as his quarterback. Jones is under center for San Francisco while Brock Purdy (toe/shoulder) recovers from multiple injuries. With Jennings now nursing an ankle injury sustained on Sunday, Bourne may have added relevance in the 49ers' Week 3 appointment with the Arizona Cardinals.

Tuesday, September 16, 5:44 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) said he expects to return to practice when his window to do so opens in Week 6, although it will ultimately be up to the training staff. Watson opened the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list after tearing his ACL in Week 18 in 2024. He's eligible to return to practice in Week 5, but the Packers have their bye that week before facing the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. The 26-year-old said he's checked all the boxes in his recovery before returning to practice. Once he returns to practice, Green Bay will have 21 days to activate him from the PUP list. "I'm already chomping at the bit," Watson said. The former second-rounder caught 98 passes for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns in 38 games in his first three seasons. Watson can stretch the field vertically and pick up chunk gains for fantasy managers. He could also have a bigger role if he returns before Jayden Reed, who broke his collarbone in Week 2. Watson has been boom or bust in fantasy, but he's worth stashing in an IR spot with his 2025 debut on the horizon.