Who Should I Start? Romeo Doubs or Ricky Pearsall

Tuesday, February 25, 9:18 PM

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said that he doesn't think wide receiver Romeo Doubs (concussion) has any long-term concern with his head health despite the fact that he suffered multiple concussions in the second half of the 2024 season, including in the wild-card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. "Any time a guy has a couple concussions back-to-back, there's some concern there, not necessarily his long-term liability or anything, just for him," Gutekunst said. "I would expect him to bounce back and be at his best." The 24-year-old took a step back in 2024 in his third year in the NFL, but it didn't help that he played in only 13 regular-season games (12 starts). After going for 674 receiving yards and eight TDs in 2023, Doubs finished with a 46-601-4 line. With Christian Watson (knee) expected to miss at least half the 2025 season, Doubs should be in line for an expanded role if he's healthy.

Sunday, January 5, 10:47 PM

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall followed last week's breakout game with another strong showing in Sunday's 47-24 Week 18 loss to the Cardinals in Arizona. The Arizona native caught six of eight targets for 69 yards, including a six-yard touchdown grab on a contested slant pattern from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Pearsall, who started his 49ers career on a terrifying note -- being shot in the chest during an armed robbery attempt -- had an up-and-down year once he debuted in Week 7. Pearsall produced four fantasy-useful performances in 2024 but seven in which he was held below six half-PPR points. With momentum and the validation of his first-round pedigree this season, Pearsall could be an intriguing late-round fantasy pick in 2025 depending on the health of Brandon Aiyuk's knee, and if Pearsall can move past Jauan Jennings and/or Deebo Samuel Sr. in the 49ers' hierarchy.