Who Should I Start? Parker Washington or Jalen Royals

Thursday, August 7, 4:18 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars beat writer John Oehser writes that wide receiver Parker Washington's improvement and approach has been constant since the arrival of new head coach Liam Coen, and the offensive staff "continues to be impressed by Washington's versatility and production." "He can plug and play at different spots and go and execute a wide route tree," offensive coordinator Grant Udinski said. The 23-year-old is expected to be the team's No. 4 wideout this year alongside rookie Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown. Washington caught 32 passes for 390 yards and three touchdowns for the Jags a year ago and is showing that he can be reliable and productive in Coen's scheme. He's produced 48 catches on 72 targets for 522 yards and five touchdowns in 26 games (eight starts) in his two NFL seasons. Unless an injury opens up more playing time, Washington is one to avoid in 12-team leagues.

Wednesday, September 3, 8:59 AM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. The fourth-round pick has been sidelined for multiple weeks with knee tendinitis and did not travel with the team to Brazil on Wednesday. Royals was expected to provide depth behind third-year starter Rashee Rice, who is suspended for the first six games. With both Royals and Rice unavailable, veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster is positioned to take on a larger role. Smith-Schuster, who rejoined the Chiefs in 2024 after Rice suffered a season-ending LCL injury, has an opportunity to stabilize the passing game early in the year. Royals' next opportunity to make his NFL debut is against the Philadelphia Eagles. - Nathan Harvey