Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Josh Downs

Tuesday, June 10, 12:01 PM

Washington Commanders All-Pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin is not attending mandatory minicamp this week, reports FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. McLaurin has made it clear to the team that he's not happy with the lack of progress on a long-term deal and also left voluntary workouts last week unexpectedly after initially attending OTAs. The 29-year-old is heading into the final year of his three-year, $68.2 million deal and is coming off his fifth straight 1,000-yard receiving season in which he also had a career-high 13 touchdowns in 17 regular-season starts as quarterback Jayden Daniels' top target. The Daniels McLaurin pairing should continue to produce, but fantasy managers will want to expect touchdown regression, and the addition of Deebo Samuel Sr. could also change the dynamic of Washington's offense. Target McLaurin as a high-end WR2 in fantasy this fall.

Wednesday, May 28, 10:24 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (undisclosed) and tight end Drew Ogletree (undisclosed) both miss Wednesday's voluntary practice with soft-tissue injuries. Downs has had his share of injuries already through two NFL seasons, so although it's early in the offseason, his health is worth watching closely the closer we get to training camp and the preseason. The 23-year-old former third-rounder (79th overall) in 2023 out of North Carolina took a small step forward in 2024 with a 72-803-5 line on 107 targets over 14 games (eight starts). A lot of his production last year came with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco under center, and his 5-foot-9, 171-pound frame limits his overall upside. Downs' 2025 fantasy value will likely hinge on who wins the Colts' QB competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.