John Bates

Washington Commanders
Tight End #87

Personal

Age	28
Birthdate	November 6, 1997
Height	6'6"
Weight	259 lb

Draft

College	Boise State
Year	2021
Pick	Round: 4, Overall: 124
Team	WAS

Fantasy Value

Player News

John Bates: John Bates in Line for More Snaps in Week 15

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates has served as the team's No. 2 option behind Zach Ertz this season, primarily as a blocker. With Ertz now out for the season with a torn ACL, Bates could be in line to take on more responsibility as a receiver. However, Washington could look to keep Bates in his normal role as one of the league's best blocking tight ends, a strength that earned him a three-year, $21 million contract extension this offseason. The Commanders could rely more on 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott as a receiver, who has the athletic traits and yards-after-the-catch ability to step into Ertz's role as the primary receiving option at tight end. The 28-year-old Bates has played more snaps and run more routes than Sinnott and fourth-string tight end Colson Yankoff, but he's not considered a legitimate receiving threat. He's collected eight catches for 71 yards on 12 targets in 11 games this season. With Washington's tight end situation murky in the wake of Ertz's injury, Bates shouldn't be considered as a fantasy option in Week 15 against the New York Giants.

Dec. 13, 2025 5:41 PM EST

Player Stats

YEAR	TM	GM	Receiving						Rushing
YEAR	TM	GM	REC	TGT	%	YDS	TD	YPC	ATT	YDS	YPC	TD	FUM
2021	WAS	16	19	23	82.6	244	1	12.8	0	0	0	0	0
2022	WAS	16	14	22	63.6	108	1	7.7	0	0	0	0	0
2023	WAS	16	19	27	70.4	151	0	7.9	0	0	0	0	0
2024	WAS	16	8	12	66.7	84	0	10.5	0	0	0	0	1
2025	WAS	13	8	12	66.7	71	0	8.9	0	0	0	0	0