Who Should I Start? Noah Brown or Calvin Austin III

Monday, November 24, 3:30 PM

The Washington Commanders announced on Monday that they opened the 21-day practice window for wide receiver Noah Brown (groin, knee). Brown hasn't played since Week 2, but he's now eligible to officially be activated from Injured Reserve. Whether the 29-year-old is cleared to play on Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos in Week 13 will depend on how much he's able to do in practice this week. There is an opportunity in Washington's receiving corps with Luke McCaffrey (collarbone) on IR and with Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) not having played since Week 8. However, it could still take Brown another several weeks to work himself back into game shape after his long layoff. Before his injuries, the former seventh-round pick had caught just three passes for 36 yards and no touchdowns in two games. Fantasy managers in 12-team leagues can continue to ignore Brown for the time being.

Friday, November 21, 10:53 AM

Across eight games this season, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has recorded 22 receptions for 242 yards and two touchdowns on 37 targets. It's been a struggle for the 26-year-old over in recent weeks, as he's hauled in just three catches for 19 yards on eight targets over his last two games. Perhaps most notably, Austin III saw a significant drop in playing time in the Steelers' Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Austin III played just 19 offensive snaps against Cincinnati, his lowest total in any game this season and nearly 20 fewer than fellow Steelers wideout Roman Wilson. Heading into a Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears, Austin III could be fading into a depth role in Pittsburgh. He should not be trusted as a fantasy starter against Chicago.