Who Should I Start? John Bates or Colson Yankoff

Friday, January 24, 6:03 PM

Washington Commanders tight ends John Bates (shoulder) and Ben Sinnott (shoulder) were both removed from Friday's final injury report and will be available on Sunday for the NFC Championship against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. Zach Ertz (rib) will also be active after practicing in full on Thursday and Friday, so neither Bates nor Sinnott are realistic DFS options for fantasy managers this weekend. The 27-year-old Bates has played through a shoulder injury in both postseason games but has only one catch on three targets for 20 yards to show for it. He had eight grabs on 13 targets for 84 yards and no scores in 17 regular-season games (six starts). Sinnott, meanwhile, has not even been targeted in two playoff games and caught all five of his targets for 28 yards and one touchdown in his first 17 NFL games during the regular season.

Sunday, August 24, 12:01 AM

Washington Commanders tight end Colson Yankoff finished with two targets and one reception for 52 yards in Washington's final preseason game against the Ravens. Yankoff had a spectacular catch and run as he hauled in a pass up the seam, bounced off a defensive back, and showcased his speed with a 35-yard sprint after the catch. The 2024 undrafted free agent from UCLA is an exceptional athlete with a 9.56 Relative Athletic Score out of a possible 10. He's drawn consistent positive reviews out of Washington training camp for his versatility and impact on special teams. The team's top three tight ends are pretty set with Zach Ertz, John Bates, and Ben Sinnott, but signs point to Yankoff being kept as a fourth as well. If Ertz were to miss any time, Yankoff could be one to see opportunity in the receiving tight end role if Sinnott hasn't earned it.