Who Should I Start? Evan Engram or George Kittle

Wednesday, October 8, 10:51 AM

Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram has been off to a slow start in his first season under Sean Payton. Through four games, the veteran has caught 12 of 19 targets for 95 yards and a touchdown, ranking as the TE27 on a per-game basis. Despite optimism that Payton's system would unlock Engram's athleticism, he's yet to play more than 50% of the offensive snaps in any game this season. Even in Week 5, when Engram finally scored his first touchdown in Denver, his role remained limited. He played just 41% of the snaps, with Adam Trautman (40%) and Nate Adkins (37%) both involved in the rotation. The lack of a clear lead role in this tight end committee has capped Engram's production and fantasy appeal. Until his usage meaningfully increases or the depth chart thins out, Engram remains an afterthought in fantasy lineups and should stay on waivers in most leagues.

Wednesday, October 8, 6:45 PM

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that there's a chance that tight end George Kittle (hamstring) will return from Injured Reserve to play in next Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, according to David Lombardi of The Athletic. The Niners have yet to open the 31-year-old's 21-day practice window, so Kittle will not be back this weekend to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fantasy managers are going to have to stay patient, as Kittle won't be a lock to make his return next week, even if he resumes practicing in some capacity. San Fran really could use some good news in the health department, as receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) could both miss their second straight game this Sunday. Jake Tonges has seen his pass-catching role increase and has now scored in back-to-back weeks. Tonges will be a TE2 streamer yet again against Tampa, especially if Jennings and Pearsall miss another game.