Who Should I Start? Pharaoh Brown or Sam LaPorta

Friday, September 6, 4:37 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot) was ruled out for the season opener against the Denver Broncos, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. Brown suffered a foot injury earlier in August during a team practice and has not returned to practice yet this week. As a result, the 30-year-old will remain sidelined during Week 1. Fantasy managers should expect Brady Russell and AJ Barner to compete for the No.2 tight end spot on Sunday while Noah Fant sees the lion's share of snaps and targets at the position. Fant has also been dealing with a toe injury but has practiced in a limited capacity this week. Last season as a Patriot, Brown caught just 13 passes for 208 yards a score. Brown will likely not have any fantasy value this season serving in a depth role on the Seattle offense.

Wednesday, September 4, 5:26 PM

Although the Detroit Lions didn't actually hold a practice on Wednesday, tight end Sam LaPorta (hamstring) was not listed on the first official injury report. As expected, it means that the second-year tight end will suit up for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams as he looks for an encore performance this year following an amazing rookie campaign. The 23-year-old missed most of training camp and the preseason due to a hamstring ailment he suffered on Aug. 5, but he returned to practice over a week ago and won't have any limitations this weekend. LaPorta set a rookie record for TEs with 86 receptions in 17 regular-season games in 2023 while going for 889 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He should once again be heavily targeted by quarterback Jared Goff in Year 2 and is a must-start in fantasy lineups.