Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Dee Eskridge

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, August 17, 7:35 AM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Dee Eskridge stepped up on Saturday with three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown on six targets in Miami's 24-17 win over the Lions. Eskridge scored the Dolphins' only touchdown of the first half on an 11-yard pass from Zach Wilson. The second-round pick from Western Michigan was playing close to home and got off to a rough start by fumbling his first punt return, but he bounced back and drew praise from coach Mike McDaniel for his ability to bounce back and put together a strong performance. Last year, Eskridge started the year on Miami's practice squad and only had three receptions for 44 yards in six games. His special team abilities seem to have him on an inside track to earn a spot on the roster out of camp this season, and he could be the team's fifth receiver behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Malik Washington, who all sat out Saturday's preseason contest, giving Eskridge and rookie Theo Wease Jr. chances to step up and post big games.