Who Should I Start? Jelani Woods or Sam LaPorta

Tuesday, August 27, 1:18 PM

The Indianapolis Colts placed tight end Jelani Woods (toe) on season-ending Injured Reserve on Tuesday due to his recent toe surgery, according to a source. It's a tough break for Woods, who also missed all of the 2023 campaign due to hamstring issues. The 25-year-old specifically needed surgery to fix turf toe and won't be able to contribute for the Colts until 2025. The third-round pick in 2022 caught 25 of his 40 targets in his rookie season in 2022 for 312 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games (two starts). Woods was going to have more of a shot at an elevated role in Indy in 2024, but those opportunities will now most likely fall to Kylen Granson. However, Granson isn't really on the TE radar in standard 12-team leagues among a committee approach to the position in Indy that also includes names like Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree and Will Mallory.

Sunday, October 20, 8:25 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta struggled in Week 7, contributing minimally in the 31-29 win over the Minnesota Vikings. LaPorta managed just one catch on two targets for 25 yards, marking another disappointing performance. He has now finished with single-digit fantasy points in five of six games this season, a sharp contrast from his consistency last year. Despite the Lions' offensive success, LaPorta's role remains limited, leaving fantasy managers searching for answers. The Lions will aim to get him more involved in their Week 8 home matchup against the Tennessee Titans.