Who Should I Start? Darnell Washington or Sam LaPorta

Thursday, November 6, 5:50 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (foot) returned to practice on Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's session due to a foot injury, according to Alan Saunders of PGH Steelers Now. Washington's return to practice on Thursday gives him a chance to play this coming Sunday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. The hulking 6-foot-7, 264-pounder is in his third year in the NFL with Pittsburgh and has recorded 13 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown on his 20 targets through eight games this year. Washington's size makes him an intriguing red-zone target for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but his volume has been limited behind fellow tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. Washington should be able to suit up in Week 10, but he'll remain a touchdown-dependent TE3 in fantasy. UPDATE: Washington practiced in full on Thursday.

Friday, November 7, 9:46 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had his best game of the 2025 season in Week 9, recording six catches for 97 yards and a touchdown on eight targets against the Minnesota Vikings. The 24-year-old's production has been trending upwards in recent weeks. Across his last four outings, LaPorta has hauled in 19 catches for 259 yards and three touchdowns on 23 targets. He appears to be emerging as the clear number two option in the Detroit passing game behind star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. LaPorta has a favorable matchup on paper in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders. Washington ranks last in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (8.8) and 29th in passing touchdowns allowed (19) through nine weeks. LaPorta profiles as a clear starting-caliber fantasy tight end in Week 10.