Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Alec Pierce

Saturday, October 4, 2:28 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman had just one catch in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing his season-long totals to 10 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets. Baltimore's passing game will be shorthanded in Week 5, as Cooper Rush will replace Lamar Jackson (hamstring) at quarterback in a tough matchup against the Houston Texans. Houston's defense has allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards (790) and second-fewest number of passing touchdowns (three) in the NFL. Bateman is typically reliant on downfield targets for production, which may be tough to come by with Rush under center. At best, Bateman profiles as a desperation deep-league flex option in Week 5.

Friday, October 3, 1:14 PM

Despite returning to practice this week, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) is being ruled out for Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders for the second straight week since he was unable to clear the NFL's concussion protocol, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. Pierce was able to practice in full on Wednesday and Thursday, but he suffered a setback on Friday with his head injury, according to head coach Shane Steichen. It sounds like Pierce should have a pretty good chance to make his return for a Week 6 date with the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday, but head injuries can be tricky. Adonai Mitchell had a big opportunity to make some noise in the Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams with Pierce out, but he failed to do so and had a costly fumble just before scoring a long touchdown. He might not even be active this Sunday, which would propel Ahston Dulin into WR3 duties behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs.