Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Cade Stover

Wednesday, November 12, 6:53 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) was a non-participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday due to a back injury, according to the team's website. LaPorta has two more chances to return to practice this week, but the 24-year-old's status definitely bears watching as the team prepares for a Sunday night showdown in Week 11 versus the Philadelphia Eagles. If LaPorta's injury is serious enough to keep him from playing this weekend, Brock Wright would get added opportunities in Detroit's high-scoring offense. However, fantasy managers would still have better streaming options at the TE position this week. If LaPorta cannot play, targets in the Lions' offense would probably be distributed more among running back Jahmyr Gibbs and receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. LaPorta has a nice 40-489-3 line on 49 targets through 10 weeks and is a must-start in fantasy when he's active.

Monday, November 10, 11:43 AM

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover (foot) could be activated from IR as soon as this week. The second-year pro has been shelved since breaking his foot back in Week 1, but he's progressed well and should return to action within the next few weeks. Before Stover went down with an injury, he and teammate Dalton Schultz played a nearly identical snap total. It's unclear if that will be the case once he's back, but the 25-year-old will certainly siphon away some playing time -- and targets -- from Schultz, who has seen greater than a 70% snap share in five of his last seven appearances. Schultz is still a solid fantasy option for the time being, but it's a situation worth keeping an eye on for those relying on him.