Who Should I Start? Tank Dell or Xavier Smith

Wednesday, July 23, 1:10 PM

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Wednesday at training camp that wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) is "doing great." "He's crushing rehab. He's in a great headspace. We're not putting any timetables timeline on Tank." It's good news that Dell is making strides in his rehab, but the fact remains that he's highly unlikely to play at all in 2025 after dislocating his knee and tearing his ACL, MCL and LCL in Week 16 last season. The Texans placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Wednesday, and he won't be taking part in any practices this summer as the team gets ready for the 2025 season. If Dell is even ready to return next year, he might be a shell of his former self. Fantasy managers should leave him off their draft boards this fall.

Sunday, August 10, 8:57 AM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith led the team with three receptions and 55 yards during Saturday's preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys. He showed a solid rapport with third-year quarterback Stetson Bennett, who was the only Rams signal-caller to register a snap in the victory. Smith is heading into his third NFL season, too. He signed with the team as an undrafted free agent out of Florida A&M back in 2023. Originally a walk-on, Smith put together a solid career with the Rattlers, amassing 2,893 yards and 25 touchdowns over three seasons. His NFL opportunities have been few and far between, but he did total six receiving yards, 36 rushing yards, and a pair of first downs in 2024. The 27-year-old now finds himself competing for a roster spot with the likes of Mario Williams, Drake Stoops, and Britain Covey.