Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or Colston Loveland

Friday, October 24, 1:09 PM

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller's pectoral injury is not season-ending, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. Waller suffered a pectoral injury in the Week 7 loss to the Cleveland Browns and was placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, but he should be able to make it back this season. However, the 33-year-old veteran will need to miss at least four games and will not be eligible to return for Miami until Week 13. In the meantime, the team will have to make due with a combination of Julian Hill (ankle), Tanner Conner, and Greg Dulcich at the position in an offense that already lost star receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) for the year. Fantasy managers should be avoiding Miami's TE situation until Waller can return. Waller, who came out of retirement after not playing at all in 2024, got a late start in 2025 due to another injury, but he scored four touchdowns in his first three games before getting injured in Week 7.

Saturday, November 8, 11:35 AM

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland is coming off a huge performance, posting 118 yards and two touchdowns in the 47-42 win over Cincinnati. The breakout game finally arrived for the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, beating his previous career high in yards by 80 yards. However, that surge came with veteran Cole Kmet leaving early due to a concussion. Kmet is off the injury report and set to return for Week 10 against the Giants. On the season, Kmet has played 70% of the snaps compared to Loveland's 56%, and his presence has consistently capped Loveland's routes and target share. With Kmet back in the mix and 25+ mph winds expected to limit the passing game, Loveland is a strong candidate for regression this week.