Who Should I Start? James Mitchell or Tucker Kraft

Friday, January 12, 9:37 PM

Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (hand) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's Wild-Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Mitchell was limited in practice on Thursday, but ended up missing Friday's session. The Lions have decided to rule him out for this contest, which normally doesn't mean too much. However, Sam LaPorta (knee) has been banged up, but he was able to get through a full practice on Friday. Fellow tight end Brock Wright appears ready to play, so the absence of Mitchell won't make much of an impact.

Friday, September 13, 6:43 PM

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft enters Week 2 with some momentum in terms of getting on the field and running routes. Kraft was expected to be the second tight end behind Luke Musgrave, who was drafted a round before him in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, Kraft ran 81% of routes per dropback and took 96% of snaps as well. Per PFF's Nathan Jahnke, Musgrave's only playing time was in 12 personnel where there were two tight ends in the formation, leaving the other snaps with one tight end to Kraft. While this didn't lead to any fantasy production in Week 1, you have to be on the field to produce to begin with. Kraft shouldn't be started in fantasy football when the Packers host the Colts in Week 2, but if starting quarterback Malik Willis uses Kraft as a safety valve option in the passing game, Kraft could find himself on the short list of fantasy options when Week 3 rolls around.