Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Colston Loveland

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, December 8, 11:39 AM

Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland hauled in 4-of-5 passes for 29 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 28-21 divisional loss to the Green Bay Packers. The rookie was again productive, recording his eighth straight outing with at least four targets. There are quite a few mouths to feed in Chicago's offensive attack, and Loveland hasn't exactly overtaken veteran Cole Kmet in terms of playing time. That said, the former has out-targeted (31-16), out-caught (24-13), and out-gained (319-138) the latter cumulatively since Week 9. It's too early to call for a changing of the guard at the position in Chicago, but fantasy managers in need of help at TE can give the 21-year-old a chance on waivers, particularly if teammate Rome Odunze (foot) is made to miss another game.