Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or Ja'Tavion Sanders

Friday, September 26, 2:52 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (hip) is questionable for Sunday's Week 4 matchup with the Vikings, to be played in Dublin, Ireland. Smith played a full allotment of snaps in the team's Week 3 win over the Patriots, but popped up on the injury report this week. After missing Wednesday's practice, he was a limited participant on Thursday and Friday, signaling that things are trending in the right direction. If Smith is unable to play on Sunday, Pat Freiermuth becomes an interesting fantasy option against a Vikings defense that has been the third most favorable matchup for tight ends through three weeks. Outside of the heavy usage of running back Jaylen Warren, the Steelers' passing attack has looked uninspired since Aaron Rodgers' surprise four-touchdown opener. Should Smith play, he deserves a look by fantasy managers based on the matchup alone, but there are likely better options available.

Friday, September 26, 8:02 PM

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) was unable to practice all week and was officially ruled out on Friday for the Week 4 game against the New England Patriots on Sunday. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone after Sanders suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 3 win over the Atlanta Falcons. In fact, it's possible that the 22-year-old will miss up to four to six weeks with this injury. With Sanders out, all of Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, and James Mitchell could have bigger roles for Carolina in the coming week, starting this Sunday versus the Patriots. Tremble will be the TE1, but he's more of a blocking tight end and should not be trusted in fantasy lineups. Fantasy managers should avoid Carolina's TE situation. Through three weeks in his second NFL season before his injury, Sanders caught 11 of 14 targets for 92 yards and no touchdowns.