Who Should I Start? John Bates or Ben Sinnott


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.9 0.0 0.0 0.8 7.4 0.1

John Bates News

John Bates to Miss a Couple of Weeks With Hamstring Injury

Sunday, August 2, 11:54 AM

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates (hamstring) will miss a couple of weeks after straining his hamstring during Thursday's practice, according to Ben Standig. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the timetable Saturday. Bates caught 11 passes for 103 yards and one touchdown in 15 games last season, but his bigger role comes as Washington's primary blocking tight end. That makes his absence more important to the offense than his receiving numbers suggest, especially with new coordinator David Blough expected to use multiple-tight-end sets. Chig Okonkwo and Ben Sinnott should handle more work while Bates is sidelined, while Colson Yankoff and Lawrence Cager could also see additional practice reps. Bates does not carry much standalone fantasy value, and this injury is unlikely to create a clear waiver target. It does give Washington's other tight ends more time to earn roles before he returns. The initial timetable leaves room for Bates to get back during the preseason.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.8 0.0 0.0 0.7 7.1 0.1

Ben Sinnott News

Ben Sinnott Far More Active in Training Camp

Friday, July 31, 2:14 PM

Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott has been "far more active," as well as Chig Okonkwo, in terms of running routes and versatility under new offensive coordinator David Blough than they had been the previous two seasons, according to John Keim of ESPN. Sinnott and the other tight ends "have run a wider variety of routes" so far in training camp. "It's not even close," Sinnott said. "So many different variations. Today we're lining up at number one [receiver on the outside], we're running five-step ins, we're running corners, we're running options, we're running flat [routes]. We're just doing everything. It's so much fun. It's a breath of fresh air for this offense and how it uses tight ends." The 24-year-old Sinnott, who was a second-rounder in 2024 from Kansas State, has only caught 16 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons in D.C., so this is pretty new to him. While he could be used as more of a pass-catcher in Blough's offense, Sinnott would likely need an injury to Okonkwo to become relevant as a streaming TE in fantasy football leagues in 2026.


John Bates vs. Ben Sinnott

Still trying to decide between Bates and Sinnott? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that John Bates is projected to score 1.9 points this week while Ben Sinnott is projected to score 1.8 points.