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

Week 1 Projections
Catches	Yards	Touchdowns
0.78	7.37	0.06

You can see where those projections compare to other TEs in our Tight End Rankings.

Player News

John Bates: John Bates to Miss a Couple of Weeks With Hamstring Injury

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates (hamstring) will miss a couple of weeks after straining his hamstring during Thursday's practice, according to Ben Standig. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the timetable Saturday. Bates caught 11 passes for 103 yards and one touchdown in 15 games last season, but his bigger role comes as Washington's primary blocking tight end. That makes his absence more important to the offense than his receiving numbers suggest, especially with new coordinator David Blough expected to use multiple-tight-end sets. Chig Okonkwo and Ben Sinnott should handle more work while Bates is sidelined, while Colson Yankoff and Lawrence Cager could also see additional practice reps. Bates does not carry much standalone fantasy value, and this injury is unlikely to create a clear waiver target. It does give Washington's other tight ends more time to earn roles before he returns. The initial timetable leaves room for Bates to get back during the preseason.

Aug. 2, 2026 11:54 AM 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	16	9	14	64.3	90	0	10.0	0	0	0	0	0