Who Should I Start? Mike Williams or Calvin Austin III

Thursday, June 12, 9:20 PM

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that he expects wide receiver Mike Williams (undisclosed) to b ready for training camp at the end of July after missing mandatory minicamp this week due to an undisclosed injury. It's not a great start for Williams this offseason after a rough first season in 2024 coming back from an ACL tear. He's returning to the team that drafted him seventh overall back in 2017 out of Clemson after catching just 21 of 34 targets for 298 yards and one touchdown in 18 games (five starts) in 2024 with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. The 30-year-old veteran could rebound another year removed from major knee surgery, but the odds are probably against it in a run-first offense at his age. RotoBaller has Williams ranked as the No. 86 fantasy wideout. He should go undrafted in leagues with only 12 teams.

Thursday, July 3, 7:17 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver coach Zach Azzanni noted during the team's minicamp that he believes wide receiver Calvin Austin III is poised to step into the offense's No. 2 pass-catching role. "I think that '2' spot is all Calvin's right now," said Azzanni. The Memphis alum put together his best statistical season in 2024 with a decent 36/548/4 line as the team's third-leading wideout. However, even with the departure of ex-teammate George Pickens vacating 103 targets, it won't be an easy path to fantasy relevance. Pickens was replaced by DK Metcalf, who will garner his fair share of looks, and Austin III will now have to contend with two viable options at tight end in Pat Freiermuth and the newly acquired Jonnu Smith. The 26-year-old offers the most juice on the team, but Pittsburgh's propensity to run and productive teammates will likely limit his fantasy value outside of best ball formats.