Cut or Keep: Don’t Give Up On These Two Rookies!

Looking at last week’s article, there were no decisions that would’ve come back to bite managers. Roschon Johnson didn’t play because of a concussion, but with the Chicago backfield in flux and Justin Fields’ injury, Johnson could be very valuable moving forward.

Let’s look at several players this week who should either stay on rosters or head to the waiver wire.

Keep ‘Em

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR (SEA)

It’s hard to sell the idea of holding on to a player who is coming off a week where he finished as WR 45 with five targets and 48 receiving yards, but that is what I’m doing with JSN.

The Seahawks had a bye in Week 5 and must’ve worked on ways to get the talented rookie more involved. Sunday, he set a career high in receiving yards (48), snaps (52), and routes run (39), according to PFF.

Smith-Njigba’s target rate was lower in Sunday’s game (12.8%), but his depth of target was higher. In shallower leagues, it may be hard to hold on to JSN, but in 12-team leagues and beyond, hold on to him in case he breaks out in the second half of the season. He has standalone value and added upside if Tyler Lockett or D.K. Metcalf gets injured.

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Michael Wilson, WR (ARI)

Wilson had a dud of a game in Week 5, earning one catch on two targets for 18 yards. However, he followed that performance up in Week 6 with three catches for 62 yards on four targets. He has gained at least 55 receiving yards in four of his last five games.

Wilson’s playing time suggests he is the No. 2 receiver on a team that will constantly be trailing and having to throw to stay in games. The overall passing game could get a boost in the next several weeks if Kyler Murray returns from his torn ACL.

Cut ‘Em

D.J. Chark, WR (CAR)

Adam Thielen has been the only consistent Panthers wide receiver when it comes to both production and playing time.

Chark has had two good games this season, and one came with backup quarterback Andy Dalton. Week 5 was the first time all the Panthers wide receivers were healthy

In Week 6, Chark started to share snaps with Terrace Marshall in the second half. It’s hard to tell who outside of Thielen will produce on a weekly basis, and if Chark’s playing time continues to decrease, it’s not worth it holding on to him.

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Robert Woods, WR (HOU)

Woods is a veteran receiver on a team with a bunch of younger receiving options. Tank Dell missed the game because of a concussion, but Noah Brown returned from injured reserve.

Brown returned to a Top 3 receiver in the rotation. He played 29 of 32 possible snaps in 11 personnel, according to PFF. Woods and Brown split time in the slot on Sunday.

When Dell comes back, he’s likely to regain a starting role. Woods had only three targets but salvaged his day with a short touchdown catch.

When the Texans’ receiving corps is healthy, and you factor in Dalton Schultz’s steady rise in production, it makes it hard to trust Woods.

Kenneth Gainwell, RB (PHI)

I understand those who want to hold Gainwell as a handcuff, but he can be dropped. D’Andre Swift and Gainwell remained at the top of the depth chart, with Boston Scott as the third back.

Swift received most of the early-down work but gained only 18 yards on 10 carries. Gainwell ran the ball twice but gained 13 yards. Swift led the team in receptions (eight). He gained 40 yards and scored a touchdown in the passing game.

When Swift didn’t play in Week 1, Gainwell had an underwhelming performance. The Eagles like to use a committee so even if Swift misses time, Gainwell can’t be trusted to produce.

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