Who Should I Start? Roman Wilson or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Tuesday, September 30, 1:44 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said there could be more opportunities for Roman Wilson and the team's other receivers going forward, depending on the health of Calvin Austin III (shoulder), who left the Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland with a shoulder injury. Wilson had played at least 17% of the offensive snaps in the first three weeks of the season, but that number fell to 6% in Sunday's win over Minnesota. The 24-year-old hasn't been targeted in three of four games this year, catching one of his two targets for seven yards in the Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Pittsburgh has its bye in Week 5, so it's entirely possible that Austin will be ready to go in Week 6 against the division-rival Cleveland Browns, thus relegating Wilson to a low-volume role yet again.

Saturday, October 4, 6:47 PM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. has yet to establish a consistent role in the team's offense, and his opportunities continue to dwindle as the Raiders shift toward heavier two-tight-end formations. In Week 4 against the Bears, Thornton saw just two targets and failed to record a catch, marking another quiet outing for the rookie. With Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker entrenched as the primary receivers and fellow rookie Jack Bech beginning to see occasional involvement, Thornton has fallen further down the depth chart. Until his target share increases or his role expands, fantasy managers can safely move on from Thornton in all formats. He remains a developmental stash at best, with little short-term fantasy appeal.