Who Should I Start? Malik Washington or Casey Washington

Sunday, October 5, 9:30 AM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington could fill an expanded role during Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Carolina Panthers. Washington has the opportunity to emerge as one of Tua Tagovailoa's favorite targets downfield after deep threat Tyreek Hill (knee) was lost for the rest of the season. The 24-year-old has just eight catches for 47 yards so far this season, but he has been the No. 3 or 4 receiver in an offense that has faced plenty of struggles. Now, with Hill sidelined, Washington could be the No. 2 target alongside Jaylen Waddle. That's enough to warrant some fantasy consideration, especially in an offense that must continue throwing the football, given how often it plays from behind. That could be the case once again this week, as the Dolphins face the Panthers, who fifth-fewest fantasy points to receivers. Washington isn't startable quite yet, but savvy managers should consider stashing him on the bench for now.

Saturday, September 13, 10:09 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington (concussion) did not pass the league's concussion protocol and will be inactive on Sunday against the Vikings. The 24-year-old had his best game in the NFL last week, hauling in three of his six targets for 33 yards, but suffered a concussion during the fourth quarter of the contest. The University of Illinois product's six targets were fourth-most on the team and more than veteran Ray-Ray McCloud III's five targets, potentially signaling a changing of the guard for the third wide receiver spot in the Atlanta offense, but it was likely more a product of Darnell Mooney's absence in Week 1 than anything else. With Mooney expected to play in Week 2 but with Washington out, we'll have to see how things shake out in Week 3 in order to get a better feel for Washington's role in this offense. For now, Washington can be left to the waiver wire in fantasy leagues.