Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Ricky Pearsall

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.

Wednesday, October 1, 4:31 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Rams, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Pearsall was already questionable while managing a knee injury heading into Week 3's matchup against the Jaguars, and then he left the game in the third quarter. He was testing it out on the sidelines and was ultimately able to return to the game, but had to shut it down after one snap. The short week made it unlikely for Pearsall to turn around and recover fast enough. But it does give him a longer period to rest, leading into Week 6. The San Francisco wide receiver room has been decimated by injury, leaving Kendrick Bourne as a potential target if you are desperate.