Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Brenton Strange

Friday, November 21, 12:17 PM

According to Detroit Football Network's Justin Rogers, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) is likely to miss the remainder of the season after successful surgery on his back. The 24-year-old was amid a rebound campaign, posting a 40/489/3 line before sustaining a back injury in their 44-22 win over the Commanders in Week 10. However, his status quickly deteriorated, and he's now facing a significant recovery. Fellow tight end Brock Wright (ankle) will operate as Detroit's TE1 in his teammate's stead, with Ross Dwelley working in behind him. Neither projects to be particularly useful for fantasy.

Monday, November 24, 11:01 PM

In his first game since suffering a hip injury in Week 5 that landed him on Injured Reserve, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange recorded five catches for 93 yards on five targets in his team's Week 12 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Strange's encouraging return was a continuation of what he had shown before getting hurt. Across the four full games he played before the hip injury, Strange had recorded 19 receptions for 182 yards on 23 targets. Jacksonville could get wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) back from injury in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans, which may impact the target share for Strange. However, Strange himself played just 71% of the Jaguars' offensive snaps in Week 12, which is a number that could rise as he gets fully healthy and re-integrated into the offense. Strange should be a waiver-wire target in fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams heading into Week 13.