Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or Jonnu Smith

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, October 25, 1:46 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith found the end zone last week and should stay involved when facing the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. Despite the return of wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder), Smith carries some upside as a pass-catcher in this matchup, with Green Bay surrendering the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. Still, both Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington also played well in Week 7, making it difficult to rely on any of the three for fantasy purposes. Smith is the best bet to produce, however, as the team leader in targets and snaps at the position. While he can be started in a pinch, the veteran is best viewed as a middling TE2 this week.