Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or DeAndre Carter

Friday, January 9, 9:29 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne recorded 37 receptions for 551 yards (14.89 YPC) and zero touchdowns on 53 targets in 16 games in 2025. The majority of Bourne's production came in early October, when he stepped in as the team's main pass-catcher, with George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) all ruled out for a brief time. Bourne's role faded as the team continued to get healthy; however, should Pearsall miss Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, Bourne could find himself playing more often and would likely be elevated to the team's No. 2 wide receiver alongside Jennings. Additionally, according to Novig, the Niners are underdogs (+4.5) and should be in a game flow that favors a pass-happy approach, which would result in more target opportunities for Bourne should he get more playing time. Demarcus Robinson would likely be operating more in three-wide receiver sets. Pending Pearsall's availability, Bourne would be a bit of a dart throw in fantasy playoff leagues, but would be worth a roster as a long-shot option.

Sunday, September 21, 12:32 PM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver DeAndre Carter (concussion) and kicker Andre Szmyt (calf) are both active and ready to go for Week 3's matchup against the Packers. Carter had to leave last week's game with a concussion, and Szmyt popped up on the injury report on Friday with a calf injury. He underwent an MRI, but everything looked good, so he's available as an emergency option at the position if needed. Carter has not played an offensive snap yet for the Browns, but he is an important special teams contributor, and he should be back in that role on Sunday after clearing the concussion protocol.