Who Should I Start? Khalil Shakir or Jonathan Mingo

Monday, January 22, 1:06 AM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (shoulder) overcame a shoulder injury to close out Sunday's 27-24 Divisional Round defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, tallying team highs in receptions (seven) and targets (nine) with 44 yards and a touchdown. Shakir made an impressive 13-yard catch for a score in the front corner of the end zone late in the third quarter before heading to the locker room, but he returned after just a handful of missed plays. Proving to be a very capable producer when granted opportunities, the 23-year-old second-year wideout hauled in 49 of his 57 targets for 686 yards (12.0 yards per target) and four touchdowns overall this year. Perhaps more versed in supplying efficiency than erratic field stretcher Gabe Davis (knee), Shakir will sport a compelling late-round fantasy-flier case in 2024 drafts with Davis headed for unrestricted free agency and Stefon Diggs turning 31 years old in November.

Tuesday, January 2, 7:16 PM

The Carolina Panthers placed rookie wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (foot) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday with a foot injury and signed veteran running back Mike Boone to their practice squad in a corresponding move. Mingo will now miss the final game of his rookie season in Week 18 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 22-year-old second-rounder predictably had an inconsistent first year in the NFL while working with struggling first-round quarterback Bryce Young. In 15 games played, Mingo caught 43 of his 85 targets for 418 yards and no touchdowns. Mingo and Young will continue to work on their chemistry this offseason in hopes of connecting more often in 2024. With Mingo sidelined this weekend, Terrance Marshall Jr. should be active, while Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Mike Strachan should have bigger roles behind Adam Thielen and DJ Chark Jr.