Who Should I Start? Lamar Jackson or Kenny Pickett

Wednesday, October 22, 1:46 PM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) was seen on the practice field on Wednesday in the portion of practice open to the media, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. It was Jackson's first appearance at practice since straining his hamstring on Sept. 28 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He "mostly did warmup throws" with the media watch but did also "run around a little bit." The 28-year-old two-time MVP missed Weeks 5 and 6 with his hamstring strain and had last week's bye to heal up. The Ravens have been optimistic that he will return to play in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, but nothing is set in stone just yet. We'll check back on Jackson's official practice status later on Wednesday, but he might need to practice in full by Friday to be cleared to suit up this Sunday. If Jackson is active against Chicago, he needs to be returned to all starting fantasy lineups.

Thursday, September 4, 9:39 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (hamstring) logged a full practice on Wednesday and is cleared to suit up in Week 1 when the Raiders face the New England Patriots. Pickett began the offseason with the Cleveland Browns but was traded to the Raiders in exchange for a fifth-round pick. The former first-round pick has been dealing with a hamstring injury, but appears to have moved past it. Fantasy managers should expect Pickett to operate as the backup option to Geno Smith. Currently, Aidan O'Connell (wrist) is on the injured reserve, which means Pickett will likely be given all of those opportunities under center if Smith were to miss time. Last season, Pickett spent time as Jalen Hurts' backup in Philadelphia but was deployed as a starter across his first two seasons in Pittsburgh. He is only worth a look in deeper superflex leagues if he were to take over the starting job.