Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Mason Tipton

Friday, October 3, 5:14 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) is ready to go for this weekend despite missing practice on Wednesday. Shepard returned to a full practice on Thursday and will be ready for the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. However, Shepard hasn't really done much on the field this season. He posted an 80-yard performance in Week 3, but has been quiet outside of that. The 32-year-old was held to two receptions for 14 yards last week. The assumption is that Shepard would be more involved with Mike Evans (hamstring) and Bucky Irving (foot) both sidelined. However, Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin both saw double digit targets last week. Possibly, Shepard sees more action this weekend, but shouldn't be viewed as anything more than a desperation option.

Sunday, August 17, 5:27 PM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Mason Tipton continues to impress in the preseason, recording six receptions for 100 yards in Sunday's 17-17 tie against the Jaguars, including a 45-yard reception downfield on a great ball from second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler. Tipton's speed also drew a 45-yard pass interference penalty, setting up a Saints field goal to start the third quarter. He has shown that his quickness could play a key role for New Orleans this season, as he also caught a 54-yard touchdown in the first preseason game against the Chargers off a pass from Tyler Shough. With veterans Brandin Cooks, Cedrick Wilson Jr., and Dante Pettis on the roster, it remains to be seen how significant Tipton's role will be behind solidified starters Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Still, he is a player to monitor if his usage expands in the regular season.