Who Should I Start? Zay Jones or Tim Patrick

Friday, August 23, 4:20 PM

The NFL has suspended Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones for the first five games of the season due to violating the league's personal conduct policy. The suspension follows a misdemeanor domestic battery charge from his time with the Jaguars last season, which the Florida state attorney's office eventually dropped. Despite this, the NFL conducted its investigation and imposed a five-game suspension. Last year, Jones recorded 34 receptions for 321 yards and two touchdowns with Jacksonville. He will be eligible for reinstatement on October 7, following the Cardinals' Week 5 game against the 49ers, meaning his earliest return to regular-season action would be October 13 against the Packers. In his absence, Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch are expected to lead the team's wide receiver corps for the season opener on September 8 against the Buffalo Bills. While this impacts Kyler Murray somewhat, Trey McBride and Harrison Jr. will likely receive even more targets.

Saturday, September 14, 6:20 PM

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick has been elevated from the practice squad on Saturday. That means, Patrick will be on the active roster for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Patrick was surprisingly cut by the Denver Broncos in late August. This comes after he hauled in 53 receptions for 734 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games with Denver last season. The Lions quickly scooped him up on their practice squad. Fellow wideout Isaiah Williams (abdomen) has been ruled out, which opens up a window for Patrick. However, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams remain the primary passing targets in this offense. Patrick will likely serve as depth, but will hopefully be given a chance to prove himself as a viable depth option.