Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Jimmy Horn Jr.

Tuesday, October 7, 11:47 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne saw his utilization surge in the absence of Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs) during Week 5. Bourne was tied with tight end Jake Tonges for 11 targets and led the team with 10 receptions and 142 receiving yards. On Monday, Pearsall was not seen at the team's first practice of the week. Jennings was reportedly suited up and carrying his helmet. Their availability for the 49ers' Week 6 matchup against the Buccaneers will become clearer after the team's first official practice and injury report on Wednesday. Following his explosive performance last Thursday and with his teammates' status murky, Bourne will likely be a popular waiver wire add going into Week 6.

Friday, October 3, 3:12 PM

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that rookie wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. will "definitely" be a part of the team's wide receiver rotation, per Joseph Person of The Athletic. Horn Jr. has been a healthy scratch in each of Carolina's first four games but appears poised to make his NFL debut, perhaps in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) is eligible to return off Injured Reserve this week, but not guaranteed to play, and the team lost veteran wideout David Moore (elbow) to IR after he suffered an elbow injury in Week 4. On the other hand, second-year wide receiver Xavier Legette (hamstring) looks poised to return in Week 5 after a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury. If Horn Jr. is active for Week 5, he'll likely be battling with Legette and veteran Hunter Renfrow for playing time alongside standout rookie Tetairoa McMillan.