Who Should I Start? Adam Trautman or Colby Parkinson

Friday, June 14, 5:08 PM

Denver Broncos tight end Adam Trautman (core) was held out of mandatory minicamp practices this week as a precaution due to a core-muscle injury. "Just being smart with his reps," head coach Sean Payton said. "He had core-muscle symptoms, which is basically a sprain. He didn't need surgery, so that's the good news. Nothing significant though." It sounds like it's an injury that won't keep Trautman sidelined for the start of training camp at the end of July. The 27-year-old re-signed with Denver in the offseason after catching 22 passes for 204 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in 17 games in his first year in Denver in 2023. Third-year tight end Greg Dulcich (foot) has had trouble staying on the field in his first two years in the NFL, but if he's healthy, he'll be the better bet for fantasy production in 2024 than Trautman.

Friday, September 6, 6:58 PM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has been thrust into the starting tight end role for the Rams after signing from Seattle in the offseason. With Tyler Higbee recovering from an ACL injury, Parkinson will operate in the lead role until Higbee is healthy enough to return. The matchup is decent against the Lions in Week 1 after Detroit allowed 12.53 points per game to tight ends in fantasy last season. But the fantasy tight-end landscape makes it difficult to elevate Parkinson into a starting role in leagues that play just one at the position. Parkinson could command some looks on Sunday night but with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp both healthy it's difficult to see him getting too many valuable targets. Parkinson's night is therefore largely touchdown dependent which makes him a risky play.