Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Justin Shorter

Saturday, September 13, 3:55 AM

Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers on September 9, returning to the team that gave him his start in the NFL in 2017. The signing was in light of injuries sustained in Week 1 by key pass catchers George Kittle (hamstring), who is now on injured reserve, and Jauan Jennings (shoulder), who is questionable for Week 2. Quarterback Brock Purdy (toe, shoulder) is also dealing with injuries and has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Saints. Taking over the offense will be Mac Jones, who was Bourne's teammate for three years in New England, from 2021 to 2023. Bourne should not be in starting lineups but could be a bench stash in deeper leagues in case he shows renewed chemistry with Jones, given Purdy might be facing a multi-week absence.

Friday, September 5, 2:41 PM

The Las Vegas Raiders have made a series of back-of-roster moves, elevating third-year wide receiver Justin Shorter to the active roster and signing veteran receiver Phillip Dorsett to fill his spot on the practice squad. The Raiders were able to open a roster spot after moving Amari Cooper to the Reserve/Retired list following his unheralded retirement announcement on Thursday. At 6'4" and 227 pounds, Shorter was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2023 but spent his rookie season on injured reserve. He spent 2024 between the Raiders' active roster and practice squad as he transitioned to playing tight end. He made ten regular-season appearances without registering a stat. While the Raiders search for any depth in the wide receiver room, Shorter's signing should have no significance to fantasy managers.