Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Jaylin Noel

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, 2:41 PM

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jaylin Noel was on the field for only 15 offensive snaps in Monday night's loss to the Buccaneers, and he was held without a target. Through two weeks, he's seen only two looks, resulting in one catch for seven yards. With the Texans' receiving core currently depleted due to injury, Noel had a prime opportunity to carve out a role. Unfortunately, he has been used primarily as a returner on punts and kickoffs. With Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios expected to return to practice this week, any hope Noel had of making an early impact seems to have vanished. He can be dropped for a better option in all redraft leagues.