Who Should I Start? John Bates or Will Mallory

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, January 6, 9:48 PM

Indianapolis Colts tight end Will Mallory (hamstring) has been ruled out for the rest of Saturday's game against the Houston Texans. The rookie tight end exited and was ruled out with a hamstring issue during the second quarter. He failed to haul in his lone target of the contest. Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox will be the primary options at tight end for the rest of this contest.