Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Mecole Hardman

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.

Tuesday, August 26, 1:11 PM

The Green Bay Packers are releasing wide receiver Mecole Hardman on Tuesday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Despite the Packers dealing with multiple injuries to their receiving corps in training camp, the Packers will move on from Hardman, who was looking to secure a depth role with the Packers after spending the first six years of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs. In his six NFL seasons, the 27-year-old pass-catcher has caught 178 of hi 258 targets for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns in 80 regular-season games (28 starts). Hardman also has plenty of special-teams experience and should be able to find work with another team for his versatility and speed during the 2025 season. Last year in 12 regular-season games (no starts) with KC, Hardman caught just 12 passe for 90 yards and no scores.