Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Ricky Pearsall

Thursday, October 23, 1:56 PM

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) will practice on Thursday, per John Keim of ESPN. McLaurin looked like he had a real shot to return for the first time since Week 3 in last week's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but the Commanders ultimately ruled on the side of caution and held him out. Quinn said earlier this week that the 30-year-old pass-catcher would practice in full this week, but it remains to be seen if that will be on Thursday. If McLaurin upgrades to a full-go at some point this week, his chances of suiting up on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs will be much better. However, for fantasy purposes, McLaurin will be more of a risky WR4/flex if he returns with several factors working against him. For one, he could be on a snap count after his extended absence. Washington is also facing a tough matchup on the road in KC, and starting quarterback Jayden Daniels (hamstring) has already been ruled out.

Thursday, October 23, 9:01 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) missed another practice on Thursday, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Pearsall, who sprained the PCL in his right knee in the Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, is trending towards missing his fourth straight game this weekend when the team heads to Houston to take on the Texans. The 25-year-old will most likely officially be ruled out for Week 8 action on Friday. Pearsall's next chance to return to action will be in Week 9 against the New York Giants. Now that tight end George Kittle has returned from Injured Reserve, Pearsall will have more competition for targets in San Fran's passing game whenever he returns. The former first-round pick had 20 catches on 29 targets for 327 yards and no touchdowns in four games before he injured his knee. Fantasy managers should keep him on their benches.