Who Should I Start? Josh Oliver or Stephen Carlson

Thursday, November 21, 3:36 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (ankle) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday due to a sprained left ankle that he suffered in the Week 11 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Oliver is likely going to need to practice in some fashion on Friday in order to have a shot at playing in Week 12 against the division-rival Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday. The 27-year-old does have a career-high three touchdowns in 10 starts in 2024, but he hasn't been a reliable fantasy asset, even at the weak TE position, catching 19 of his 22 targets for 216 yards. If Oliver is inactive this weekend, it should give T.J. Hockenson a slightly higher fantasy ceiling after he disappointed with two catches for 13 yards in his third game off Injured Reserve.

Saturday, September 28, 9:17 PM

The Chicago Bears placed tight end Stephen Carlson (collarbone) on injured reserve Saturday ahead of their Week 4 home matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Carlson, who was just signed from the team's practice squad this past Tuesday, suffered a serious collarbone injury during Thursday's practice and will now miss at least the next four contests. The earliest he is eligible to return will be Nov. 3 -- Chicago's Week 9 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. It's a crushing blow for the 27-year-old who was slated for his first NFL action since his time back in 2020 with the Cleveland Browns. The Bears will roll out their usual three-man tight-end rotation, with Cole Kmet set to take the majority of the snaps and Gerald Everett and Marcedes Lewis working in behind him.