Who Should I Start? Donald Parham Jr. or John Bates

Tuesday, June 3, 8:31 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. (Achilles) suffered a torn Achilles tendon on Tuesday and is in danger of missing the entirety of the 2025 season. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the injury. News came through earlier today that the Steelers removed themselves from conversations with the Miami Dolphins for tight end Jonnu Smith, but their tune quickly changed, and now we know why. It's unfortunate news for the 27-year-old, as he's now set for a lengthy recovery process. It's no secret that Pittsburgh has a glaring need at quarterback, though the lack of weapons on the offense is quickly becoming an understated issue. It's unlikely that Parham Jr. would have made a massive impact in 2025. Still, the team's skill players are relatively thin behind wideout DK Metcalf, tight end Pat Freiermuth, and running back Jaylen Warren.

Friday, January 24, 6:03 PM

Washington Commanders tight ends John Bates (shoulder) and Ben Sinnott (shoulder) were both removed from Friday's final injury report and will be available on Sunday for the NFC Championship against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. Zach Ertz (rib) will also be active after practicing in full on Thursday and Friday, so neither Bates nor Sinnott are realistic DFS options for fantasy managers this weekend. The 27-year-old Bates has played through a shoulder injury in both postseason games but has only one catch on three targets for 20 yards to show for it. He had eight grabs on 13 targets for 84 yards and no scores in 17 regular-season games (six starts). Sinnott, meanwhile, has not even been targeted in two playoff games and caught all five of his targets for 28 yards and one touchdown in his first 17 NFL games during the regular season.