Who Should I Start? Jeremy Ruckert or Brock Wright

Monday, June 9, 12:26 PM

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt writes that New York Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert has shown progress as a pass-catcher this offseason. Ruckert was teammates with new quarterback Justin Fields in college at Ohio State, so he's been seeing a heavy workload during organized team activities. Still, Ruckert has plenty to prove coming off three disappointing seasons to start his NFL career, including regressing as a run-blocker last year. "I think he can help us in the passing game, he'll be a really good blocker," had coach Aaron Glenn said. "There's some technical things he can improve on." The 24-year-old former third-rounder (101st overall) in 2022 is still searching for his first NFL touchdown and has caught just 35 of 52 targets for 264 yards in his three seasons. With the Jets taking Mason Taylor in the second round of this year's draft, Ruckert's path to fantasy value is even more of an uphill battle.

Wednesday, December 3, 4:11 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (neck) has been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. Wright was a non-participant every day in practice this week and isn't expected to return anytime soon after head coach Dan Campbell revealed his injury involves his trachea, and that it could be a long-term issue. The 27-year-old was expected to serve as the Lions' top tight end after Sam LaPorta (back) was placed on Injured Reserve, but Wright may miss the remainder of the season. Ross Dwelley stepped up and played the majority of snaps in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers with Anthony Firkser mixing in, and both figure to split the reps on Thursday night against the Cowboys. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for help at the TE position.