Who Should I Start? Darnell Washington or Gunnar Helm

Tuesday, December 30, 1:20 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (forearm) had surgery on his broken forearm on Tuesday morning and will not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Head coach Mike Tomlin said he has "some level of optimism for everyone else." The expectation was that Washington would not play after he broke his arm in the Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Not only will the 24-year-old not be available for the winner-take-all game this Sunday night against the Ravens, but Washington is unlikely to be able to return for the playoffs if the Steelers take care of business this weekend. It means that Pat Freiermuth will become a slightly more attractive TE streamer in fantasy, as will Jonnu Smith. Washington's third season in the NFL will finish with 31 catches for 364 yards and a touchdown in 16 games.

Friday, January 2, 3:02 PM

Tennessee Titans rookie tight end Gunnar Helm (toe) has been ruled out of Sunday's Week 18 divisional matchup with the Jaguars. Helm was unable to practice this week with the toe injury that he ultimately played through following a week of limited practice participation in Week 17. The fourth-round pick out of Texas finishes his rookie year with 44 receptions for 357 yards and two touchdowns, and is a potential dynasty target this offseason. With Helm sidelined, fourth-year tight end Chig Okonkwo, fresh off back-to-back top-five finishes, becomes a must-start for fantasy managers still competing for a Week 18 championship.