Who Should I Start? George Kittle or Sam LaPorta

Wednesday, June 25, 3:26 PM

During a recent appearance on the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle said he feels great physically and mentally, and he is not putting a timeline on his retirement. The former fifth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Iowa said he will play "literally until I don't have fun anymore." The Pro Bowl and All-Pro fixture recently signed a four-year extension to remain with the Niners long term following a 78-catch, 1,106-yard, eight-touchdown season in 2024. "The one benefit of not making the playoffs is you get an entire month off," Kittle said. "I haven't had January off since 2020." This sounds like a great development for Kittle's fantasy managers and his upside in 2025, especially after the departure of receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., who was traded to the Washington Commanders. Kittle is currently being priced as the TE3 in half-PPR ADP, and it would be a surprise if he's not in contention for the overall TE1 once again in his ninth NFL campaign.

Thursday, August 14, 11:13 AM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (undisclosed) will be sidelined for "a little bit of time here", according to head coach Dan Campbell. The team did not elaborate on LaPorta's injury, only that he'd be held out of joint practices with the Miami Dolphins. He will likely sit out Saturday's preseason game. Campbell said that the injury isn't a major one, so it doesn't appear like LaPorta is at risk of missing any regular-season games. Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra will move up the depth chart and work as the team's top two tight ends until LaPorta returns. The 24-year-old finished the 2024 season as the TE8 with 60 catches, 726 yards, and seven touchdowns, and is ranked as a top-five fantasy football tight end entering his third season.