Who Should I Start? John Bates or Tip Reiman

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.

Sunday, October 5, 6:43 PM

Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (right leg) was carted to the locker room during the second half of Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Tennessee Titans. He suffered the injury after failing to haul in his first and only target of the game. Given the urgency of the Cardinals' medical personnel to get the cart on the field for Reiman, this could be a very serious injury, and it's likely one that will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the contest. He has merely occupied a depth role in Arizona this season, catching just three passes for 18 yards. Elijah Higgins will step up as the No. 2 tight end behind Trey McBride.