Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or Cole Kmet

Friday, January 2, 12:55 PM

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (groin) will be placed on Injured Reserve on Friday, according to Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN. Waller will miss the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival New England Patriots. The 33-year-old veteran came out of retirement to play for the Dolphins in 2025 and will finish with 24 catches for 283 yards and six touchdowns in only nine games played. Waller got a late start to the season as he worked his way into playing shape and also missed time with a hamstring injury. He was not the same player he was earlier in his career with the Raiders, but Waller still had plenty of red-zone prowess in his return this year. It remains to be seen if he'll attempt to return in 2026 with Miami or another organization. Greg Dulcich should be the Dolphins' top pass-catching TE in Week 18.

Saturday, December 20, 7:24 PM

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (ankle, knee) is officially active for Saturday's Week 16 contest against the Green Bay Packers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after practicing in full on Friday. The 26-year-old has taken on a slightly reduced role during the back half of the season, but he has still logged a snap share north of 60% in each of his last six contests. Through 13 total games this year, he has 24 catches, 301 yards, and a pair of touchdowns, ranking as the overall TE37 in full-PPR leagues. Kmet can be dropped in most redraft formats as he continues to lose targets and snaps to rookie Colston Loveland.