Who Should I Start? George Kittle or Sam LaPorta

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.

Monday, October 6, 12:40 AM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta caught five of his six targets for 92 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 5 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He scored his first touchdown of the season on a trick play that involved a pass from running back David Montgomery. By breaking into the end zone, LaPorta turned in his best fantasy outing of the 2025 season. He was the fourth-highest tight end scorer in Week 5 and ranks as the overall TE6 in total scoring this year. While there is some inconsistency in his production week over week, fantasy managers should feel confident that LaPorta is still a top-10 fantasy tight end. He should be started in all leagues ahead of next week's competitive matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.