Who Should I Start? Darnell Washington or Mason Taylor

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.

Friday, December 19, 11:57 AM

ESPN's Rich Cimini reports that New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor (neck) is expected to return for Week 17's home matchup with the New England Patriots. The 21-year-old has been labeled as a non-participant at practice ever since injuring his neck during New York's 34-10 loss to the Dolphins in Week 14. It's unfortunate news for Taylor, who has been decent in his first season despite a mostly dysfunctional offense around him. With the rookie missing another contest, teammate Jeremy Ruckert will assume duties as Jets' TE1, and Jelani Woods, Andrew Beck, and Stone Smartt will mix in behind him. As it stands, Ruckert shouldn't be considered for fantasy, even in a decent outing with the hosting New Orleans Saints.