Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or Isaiah Likely

Monday, September 15, 6:31 PM

Although Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (hip) is not expected to make his debut with the team in Week 3 on Thursday night against the division-rival Buffalo Bills, the Dolphins listed him as limited on Monday's practice estimation. Waller has yet to practice this year and has been inactive for the first two weeks, so his limited status on Monday doesn't mean a whole lot on a short week. The 33-year-old was focusing on his conditioning for all of training camp and the preseason before suffering a hip injury right before Week 1. Whenever he is finally cleared to make his 2025 debut after coming out of retirement, the Dolphins will likely limit his snaps, making him one to avoid in starting fantasy lineups. The Dolphins are expected to move forward with Julian Hill and Tanner Conner at the position on Thursday, but neither TE is a realistic fantasy play.

Friday, September 12, 12:51 PM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) was in uniform and doing a workout in front of the training and medical staff on Friday, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Likely has "upped his activity level" and is getting closer, but he won't play in Week 2 against the division-rival Cleveland Browns. It sounds as though Likely could return as early as Week 3 against the Detroit Lions after fracturing his foot in training camp. The 25-year-old will miss a second straight game to open the year, giving veteran tight end Mark Andrews an opportunity for increased opportunities this Sunday after he fell flat in the season-opening loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday night, when he had just one catch for five yards. We'd expect Andrews to be more involved this weekend, especially if receiver Rashod Bateman (undisclosed) cannot play.