Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Theo Johnson

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.

Monday, October 20, 12:29 AM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson caught three of his seven targets for 66 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 7 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. The highlight of his performance was a 41-yard touchdown in which Johnson caught the pass that had deflected off one of his teammates. The 24-year-old has been quite productive since the Giants lost Malik Nabers (knee), posting 14 catches, 143 yards, and four touchdowns over his last four games. During that four-week window, he's the overall TE5 in PPR leagues. Interestingly, he has shown that he can co-exist alongside Daniel Bellinger, as the two tight ends have combined for at least seven catches in two of the Giants' last three games. With that being said, Johnson, whose fantasy value has become touchdown-dependent, remains the preferred option in the passing game over Bellinger. He's a mid-to-high TE2 heading into Week 8 against Philadelphia.