Who Should I Start? John Bates or Nate Boerkircher
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 7.2 | 0.1 |
Nate Boerkircher News
Saturday, August 15, 9:41 AM
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie tight end Nate Boerkircher has put together a strong stretch of practices heading into Saturday's preseason opener against New Orleans. John Shipley of Sports Illustrated noted that Boerkircher has been more involved in the passing game over the past week while continuing to stand out as a blocker. That part of his game will get a better test against the Saints, especially with Jacksonville planning to sit its starters. Boerkircher has flashed as a receiver, too, catching a red-zone touchdown from Trevor Lawrence during Thursday's joint practice. The Jaguars used their first pick of the 2026 draft on Boerkircher at No. 56 overall after he caught 19 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns at Texas A&M last season. He's currently listed second behind Brenton Strange on the unofficial depth chart. Strange remains the clear starter, but Boerkircher's blocking gives him a path to early snaps while his receiving role continues to develop.
John Bates vs. Nate Boerkircher
Still trying to decide between Bates and Boerkircher? 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 Nate Boerkircher is projected to score 1.7 points.
Latest Fantasy News
