Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or Ian Thomas

Sunday, October 27, 8:58 PM

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith caught four of six targets for 20 yards in Sunday's 28-27 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. This performance was a big step back from his seven-catch, 96-yard outing last week against the Indianapolis Colts. His day could've been slightly better if not for a dropped pass that hit him in the chest. Smith receiving six targets is encouraging for fantasy managers, especially given the number of viable pass-catchers Miami has. Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) returning to the lineup only helps his outlook moving forward. Look for Smith's connection to improve with Tua down the stretch. It starts next week against the division rival Buffalo Bills, who rank in the middle of the pack against opposing tight ends.

Saturday, September 7, 1:42 PM

The Carolina Panthers placed tight end Ian Thomas (calf) on Injured Reserve on Saturday after already ruling him out for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. In addition to putting Thomas on IR, the team also waived cornerback Keenan Isaac and signed tight end Feleipe Franks and defensive tackle Jayden Peevy to the active 53-man roster from the practice squad. Thomas will now miss at least the first four weeks of the 2024 season after being sidelined since early in training camp with a calf injury. Tommy Tremble (back, hamstring) has already been ruled out for Week 1 as well, so Carolina is entering the regular season already thin at the TE position, meaning rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders will mostly likely be thrust into the top pass-catching role right away.