Who Should I Start? John Bates or Teagan Quitoriano

Friday, December 20, 7:20 PM

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates could be in store for an increased role, with Zach Ertz (concussion) listed as questionable for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz suffered this concussion last weekend and could not practice all week, which suggests he will face an uphill battle to pass the league's protocol. When filling in for Ertz last weekend, Bates brought in his lone target for six yards. Earlier this season, Bates caught six of his nine targets for 64 yards and averaged a solid 10.7 yards per reception. However, given his lack of offensive production, even in a reserve role, makes him a high-risk TE2 facing the Eagles. Fantasy managers should look for an alternative option as Bates will have a tough task ahead of him in his first start as the Eagles have allowed the fifth-fewest PPR points to the position this season.

Tuesday, October 8, 2:24 PM

The Houston Texans are signing tight end Teagan Quitoriano to the active roster from the Chicago Bears practice squad, according to Texans reporter Aaron Wilson. The 24-year-old was a fifth-round pick by the Texans in 2022 out of Oregon State and caught nine passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns in 16 career games with the organization. Quitoriano was waived by Houston on September 4 with an injury settlement, but after Brevin Jordan (knee) suffered a torn ACL, the position group lacked depth. Quitoriano is not on the fantasy football radar in Houston's crowded skill position group. Even if was elevated to the TE1 role in a potential Dalton Schultz absence, he'd likely have little upside and virtually no fantasy floor.