Who Should I Start? Jake Tonges or Oronde Gadsden

Tuesday, October 28, 3:56 AM

San Francisco 49ers tight end Luke Tonges has been pushed down the depth chart and back into his former special teams role now that George Kittle is back in action. Tonges saw just eight offensive snaps in Week 7 and was on the field for five in the 49ers' 26-15 loss to the Texans in Week 8. He managed to add another touchdown to his resume, though, securing his lone target for a score from two yards out. During Kittle's stint on injured reserve, Tonges made for a TD-dependent streaming option that paid off with three top-12 finishes among tight ends. On the season, he is up to 26 receptions for 226 yards and four touchdowns. With minimal involvement on offense now, he doesn't belong on fantasy football rosters. He won't be a factor in the 49ers' Week 9 matchup against the Giants.

Monday, October 27, 10:21 AM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden has been one of the breakout stars at his position in recent weeks. Over his last three games, Gadsden has recorded 19 catches for 309 yards and two touchdowns on 22 targets. The 22-year-old appears to be a trusted weapon in Los Angeles, as he's played at least 75% of the team's offensive snaps in three straight weeks. If there's any reason for concern with Gadsden, it's the target competition he faces. The Chargers have three wide receivers in Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston who are all candidates to soak up targets. Still, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert currently leads the NFL in pass attempts (296), so it's possible there's enough target volume to support all four players. Gadsden could continue to emerge as a must-start tight end over the second half of the season.