Who Should I Start? Eric Saubert or John Bates

Saturday, December 13, 5:00 PM

The Seattle Seahawks and tight end Eric Saubert have agreed to a one-year contract extension, per NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. Saubert was designated to return from Injured Reserve this week after missing six games due to a calf injury. The 31-year-old tight end signed with the Seahawks during the offseason and is most known for his ability to do the dirty work as a blocker and as a contributor on special teams. He has just one catch for 12 yards while playing 34.1% of the offensive snaps this season in seven games, and is now under contract with Seattle through the end of the 2026 season.

Wednesday, December 24, 10:23 AM

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates was outsnapped 37 to 27 by second-year tight end Ben Sinnott in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Bates has served as Washington's No. 2 TE for most of the season, primarily as a blocker. He posted his highest route share (50%) of the season in Week 15 with Zach Ertz (knee) out for the season, but that mark cratered in Week 16, falling to just 16%, his lowest since Week 2. Sinnott profiles as the better receiving option and is seeing his role increase in that area. He jumped to a season-high 56% route share last week. Bates seems to be trending back toward his typical role as the top blocking tight end and shouldn't be considered a fantasy option on Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys, especially considering Washington's starting QB is likely to be Josh Johnson with Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) injured.