Who Should I Start? Darnell Washington or Theo Johnson

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.

Saturday, November 15, 10:23 AM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson should earn increased opportunities in Week 11 with wide receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) sidelined. Johnson will likely serve as Jameis Winston's No. 2 target behind Wan'Dale Robinson on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. He occupied a similar role last week; as Slayton missed part of the game due to injury, Johnson stepped up with a 97 percent snap share, eight targets, seven catches, and 75 yards. He has emerged as the overall TE13 in PPR leagues during his second pro season, and he has a good chance at cracking the top-12 with his increased workload this week. Managers should feel very comfortable starting Johnson, especially against a Packers defense allowing the seventh-most receptions and ninth-most touchdowns to opposing tight ends in 2025.