Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Mason Tipton

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.

Sunday, August 17, 5:27 PM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Mason Tipton continues to impress in the preseason, recording six receptions for 100 yards in Sunday's 17-17 tie against the Jaguars, including a 45-yard reception downfield on a great ball from second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler. Tipton's speed also drew a 45-yard pass interference penalty, setting up a Saints field goal to start the third quarter. He has shown that his quickness could play a key role for New Orleans this season, as he also caught a 54-yard touchdown in the first preseason game against the Chargers off a pass from Tyler Shough. With veterans Brandin Cooks, Cedrick Wilson Jr., and Dante Pettis on the roster, it remains to be seen how significant Tipton's role will be behind solidified starters Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Still, he is a player to monitor if his usage expands in the regular season.