Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Isiah Pacheco

Wednesday, October 23, 4:31 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) was officially placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 26-year-old suffered a torn ACL and MCL in last Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs and will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. As a result, Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness), Jauan Jennings (hip) and rookie Ricky Pearsall are expected to lead the wide receiver room for the remainder of the season. However, Samuel left last game early due to pneumonia and is in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys, which could open up a larger role for Jennings, Pearsall and rookie Jacob Cowing. Fantasy managers looking to add a receiver with upside for high volume should check their waiver wire for both Jennings and Pearsall, as they should have a profound role in the offense going forward.

Thursday, October 31, 2:20 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) has been on the Injured Reserve list since Week 2 due to a fractured fibula and is not expected to return to practice this week or next week. However, head coach Andy Reid said Pacheco is "doing fantastic," which is promising considering the team initially did not know if he would return this season. In his absence, veteran Kareem Hunt has taken over the clear RB1 duties in Kansas City and has rushed 84 times for 308 yards and four touchdowns to go along with six receptions for 40 yards. Hunt has not been efficient, but the team has trusted him to carry the load. Whenever Pacheco returns, he'll surely be a significant contributor to the offense, but he could be eased into action and share touches with Hunt. For now, fantasy managers can continue to stash him in an IR spot and hope he returns to make a difference down the stretch.