Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Bucky Irving

BENCH

Week 1 Projections

Fant. Pts.	Rush. Yds.	Rush TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	Rec TD
11.2	0.0	0.0	4.2	48.5	0.3

Sam LaPorta News

Sam LaPorta Dealing With Hip Injury

Thursday, August 20, 8:57 AM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (hip) is dealing with a hip injury he picked up earlier this week, according to Nolan Bianchi. LaPorta was not practicing Thursday, though head coach Dan Campbell said he doesn't think the issue will threaten the start of his season. Campbell stopped short of guaranteeing that, however. LaPorta was limited to nine games last year after a back injury eventually required surgery, finishing with 40 catches for 489 yards and three touchdowns. He spent the offseason rehabbing but was back to full participation when Detroit opened training camp in late July. The new hip issue interrupts what had otherwise been a healthy summer for the fourth-year tight end. Campbell's initial outlook is a positive one for fantasy managers, but LaPorta's progress over the next couple of weeks will determine whether that holds.

Bucky Irving - Tampa Bay (RB)

START

Week 1 Projections

Fant. Pts.	Rush. Yds.	Rush TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	Rec TD
12.7	56.8	0.3	2.3	19.1	0.1

Bucky Irving News

Bucky Irving Will Play Against Chiefs on Saturday

Monday, August 17, 11:55 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that his starters, including running back Bucky Irving, will dress and play in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Irving and the rest of the starting offensive unit were held out of the preseason opener on Friday against the New York Jets. The Bucs let Rachaad White walk in free agency in March, but they added pass-catching dynamo Kenny Gainwell to their backfield to replace him. The 23-year-old Irving should continue to be Tampa's go-to option on early downs and near the goal line, but Gainwell figures to eat into valuable pass-catching opportunities out of the backfield as the team tries to keep Irving healthy after he played in just 10 games in 2025. Irving had 1,514 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games as a rookie in 2024. Because of the lack of clarity in Tampa's backfield between Irving and Gainwell in a new offensive scheme, fantasy managers should target Irving as more of a low-end RB2.

Sam LaPorta vs. Bucky Irving

Still trying to decide between LaPorta and Irving? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Sam LaPorta is projected to score 11.2 points this week while Bucky Irving is projected to score 12.7 points.