Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or George Kittle

Tuesday, October 7, 7:07 PM

After a 2024 campaign in which he set career highs as a receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith has been surprisingly quiet to start 2025. Smith's limited participation in practice leading up to the Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings could explain his minimal involvement in that game, but his lack of utilization through the first three weeks was equally puzzling. Ideally, Pittsburgh used its Week 5 bye to find ways to get Smith going. This week, the 30-year-old will take on the division-rival Cleveland Browns, who have been tough on tight ends this year. His usage, alongside that of Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, will be worth monitoring, but Smith remains off the fantasy radar in most formats.

Wednesday, October 8, 6:45 PM

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that there's a chance that tight end George Kittle (hamstring) will return from Injured Reserve to play in next Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, according to David Lombardi of The Athletic. The Niners have yet to open the 31-year-old's 21-day practice window, so Kittle will not be back this weekend to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fantasy managers are going to have to stay patient, as Kittle won't be a lock to make his return next week, even if he resumes practicing in some capacity. San Fran really could use some good news in the health department, as receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) could both miss their second straight game this Sunday. Jake Tonges has seen his pass-catching role increase and has now scored in back-to-back weeks. Tonges will be a TE2 streamer yet again against Tampa, especially if Jennings and Pearsall miss another game.