Who Should I Start? Ricky Pearsall or Xavier Legette

Friday, November 7, 7:19 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) has been running, but he hasn't quite been cleared to make his return after spraining his PCL in the Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. "He can run and hit certain speeds. But he hasn't been able to hit his normal speeds that would allow him to come back. We're waiting until he hits his markers," head coach Kyle Shanahan said. Pearsall was officially ruled out for Week 10 this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, his sixth straight absence. The 25-year-old was a popular breakout candidate during training camp and the preseason this year, with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) recovering from a torn ACL and MCL, but injury issues of his own have limited him to just four games, and he's running out of time to make an impact for his fantasy managers. Pearsall must get back on the practice field next week to have a chance at playing in Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Saturday, November 8, 1:29 AM

Xavier Legette may have increased involvement in the passing game in this week's matchup against the Saints in Week 10. The Carolina WR was a non-factor last week against the Green Bay Packers, only logging one reception for 22 yards. Tetairoa McMillan was limited in Friday's practice with a hamstring injury and is questionable to start in Week 10. The rookie has been the Panthers' top receiver this season with 12.1 PPR Fantasy Points Per Game. If McMillan misses Sunday's game, Legette is likely to move up on the depth chart and become one of Bryce Young's top targets. Although Legette has not been productive for fantasy players this season, there was one notable exception: Week 7 against the Jets. In that game, Legette was the top receiver targeted as he had nine receptions for 92 yards, one receiving touchdown, and recorded 24.2 PPR fantasy points. So it is possible he could provide more fantasy production in an expanded role. Monitor McMillan's status before Sunday's game, and if he is out, consider Legette as a deeper flex play for Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints.