Who Should I Start? John Bates or Dallin Holker

Saturday, December 13, 5:41 PM

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates has served as the team's No. 2 option behind Zach Ertz this season, primarily as a blocker. With Ertz now out for the season with a torn ACL, Bates could be in line to take on more responsibility as a receiver. However, Washington could look to keep Bates in his normal role as one of the league's best blocking tight ends, a strength that earned him a three-year, $21 million contract extension this offseason. The Commanders could rely more on 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott as a receiver, who has the athletic traits and yards-after-the-catch ability to step into Ertz's role as the primary receiving option at tight end. The 28-year-old Bates has played more snaps and run more routes than Sinnott and fourth-string tight end Colson Yankoff, but he's not considered a legitimate receiving threat. He's collected eight catches for 71 yards on 12 targets in 11 games this season. With Washington's tight end situation murky in the wake of Ertz's injury, Bates shouldn't be considered as a fantasy option in Week 15 against the New York Giants.

Saturday, May 24, 11:04 AM

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore said that tight end Dallin Holker (undisclosed) is dealing with a "minor" injury during OTAs. It's unclear exactly what is bothering Holker or if it will keep him out of mandatory minicamp in early June. The 25-year-old went undrafted out of Colorado State before debuting with the Saints last year. Holker mainly served as New Orleans' No. 3 tight end a year ago and caught only three passes on four targets for 21 yards in 12 games played (two starts). Foster Moreau (knee) is also sitting out of OTAs due to injury, which will lead to more reps for Juwan Johnson, Jack Stoll and Michael Jacobsen. If Holker is healthy for the start of the 2025 regular season, he'll once again serve as TE dept for the Saints and can be ignored in fantasy leagues.