Who Should I Start? Michael Pittman Jr. or Rashee Rice

Friday, January 10, 12:10 PM

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) will not require surgery for the fractured back that he played through late in the 2024 season. "One tough dude. Example of what you want," Ballard said. It's a testament to Pittman's toughness that he missed just one game due to his back injury. But the 27-year-old's back issues and inconsistent play from the quarterback position in Indianapolis in 2024 led to Pittman posting only 808 receiving yards -- his fewest since his rookie season in 2020 -- to go with 69 receptions (also his lowest mark since 2020) and only three touchdowns in 16 games. Better health will give him a chance to rebound in 2025, but his overall upside might be dependent on quarterback Anthony Richardson's health and his ability to improve as a passer.

Tuesday, October 8, 6:11 PM

After having surgery to fix his right LCL on Tuesday, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is expected to be out for four months, according to multiple sources. It was a best-case scenario for Rice, who will miss the rest of the 2024 season, but the good news is he's expected to make a full recovery. In addition to his knee, Rice also had a hamstring tendon repaired on Tuesday. Barring any setbacks for the 24-year-old during his rehab, he should be ready to go for the start of the 2025 season next fall. With receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) already out for the year and running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) on Injured Reserve, the Chiefs have lost their best playmakers outside of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues can obviously drop Rice at this time and look for a replacement.