Who Should I Start? John Bates or Teagan Quitoriano

Wednesday, December 24, 10:23 AM

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates was outsnapped 37 to 27 by second-year tight end Ben Sinnott in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Bates has served as Washington's No. 2 TE for most of the season, primarily as a blocker. He posted his highest route share (50%) of the season in Week 15 with Zach Ertz (knee) out for the season, but that mark cratered in Week 16, falling to just 16%, his lowest since Week 2. Sinnott profiles as the better receiving option and is seeing his role increase in that area. He jumped to a season-high 56% route share last week. Bates seems to be trending back toward his typical role as the top blocking tight end and shouldn't be considered a fantasy option on Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys, especially considering Washington's starting QB is likely to be Josh Johnson with Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) injured.

Friday, March 28, 8:28 PM

The Atlanta Falcons have come to terms with free agent tight end Teagan Quitoriano on an undisclosed contract. Quitoriano appeared in seven games for the Houston Texans last season but did not record any catches. The Texans initially selected the 25-year-old in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. That season, he accrued seven receptions, 113 yards, and two touchdowns in nine games. The Oregon State alum has spent time on IR in each of the last three seasons. He'll now join a Falcons tight end room that features Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, and Feleipe Franks. Quitoriano will compete for snaps but will likely serve as a depth piece for the team.