Who Should I Start? Darnell Washington or Jeremy Ruckert

Sunday, December 14, 12:19 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (concussion) has been cleared from the league's concussion protocol and has been upgraded to active for the Monday night contest against the visiting Miami Dolphins to close out Week 15 action, according to director of communications Burt Lauten. Washington was initially listed as questionable on the team's final injury report on Saturday, but he has since been cleared by an independent neurologist and will play against Miami. The 6-foot-7, 264-pounder should be treated as TE3 in fantasy despite his growing role in recent weeks. Washington has caught five of his seven targets for 79 yards in the last three games, but having to contend for targets with fellow TEs Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith every week makes him too hard to trust as a starter in fantasy.

Saturday, December 13, 2:41 AM

New York Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert will assume a starting role this Sunday when his team takes on the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road. Ruckert posted his highest snap share of the campaign in Week 14, but only came away with 19 yards on 2-of-3 receiving while teammate Mason Taylor (neck) dealt with an injury. With Taylor ruled out, the former third-round pick will get a chance to lead New York's TE room. However, he'll do so with rookie quarterback Brady Cook under center. Cook will get the starting nod this week, as fellow QBs Tyrod Taylor (groin) and Justin Fields (knee) have both been deemed out with their respective injuries, lowering the fantasy floor for all Jets' skill players. Even with the expected bump in opportunity, Ruckert can be safely avoided by owners looking for a tight end to stream in the first round of the fantasy playoffs.