Who Should I Start? Brock Wright or John FitzPatrick

Thursday, December 4, 6:25 PM

The Detroit Lions announced on Thursday before their game against the Dallas Cowboys that they placed tight end Brock Wright (neck) on Injured Reserve. In corresponding moves, the team signed cornerback Nick Whiteside to the 53-man active roster from the practice squad and also elevated wide receiver Malik Cunningham from the practice squad. Wright will join Sam LaPorta (back) on IR and won't be eligible to return until the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Chicago Bears on Jan. 4. With both Wright and LaPorta sidelined, Ross Dwelley figures to see the most TE snaps for the Lions, with Anthony Firkser also being involved. Both tight ends are more of blockers than pass-catchers, though, and should be avoided in most fantasy football leagues. In last week's loss to the Packers, Dwelley and Firkser combined for two catches on four targets for just seven yards.

Wednesday, November 26, 5:30 PM

Green Bay Packers tight end John FitzPatrick has seen his opportunity with the Packers grow as of late, but is still a player to leave out of fantasy lineups when the Packers head to Detroit to take on the Lions on Thanksgiving. FitzPatrick has supplanted Luke Musgrave in terms of snap share and routes over the last two weeks for the Packers. Despite the increased snaps in the 60 percent range in each of the last two weeks for Green Bay, it's only turned into a combined two receptions and 16 yards on two targets. FitzPatrick's role is not as a receiver, so expecting fantasy production out of the Packers' tight end may not be realistic. Leave FitzPatrick off of your fantasy rosters when the Packers play the Lions on Thanksgiving in Week 13.