Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Malik Heath

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, November 16, 11:53 AM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Malik Heath (coach's decision) did not travel with the team to New Jersey for Sunday's Week 11 contest against the New York Giants. He is officially inactive as a healthy scratch. We don't know the details behind Heath's absence, but typically, decisions like these are made for disciplinary reasons. However, it's rare to see a coaching staff leave a player on the 53-man roster off the flight for non-injury reasons. Nevertheless, Heath will be inactive for the first time this season. He has caught all six of his targets for 86 yards this season. His void will be filled by Savion Williams, who should fill a depth role behind Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Christian Watson, and Matthew Golden.