Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Dalton Kincaid

Wednesday, January 7, 7:18 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) said earlier this week that he's entering the next stage of his rehab from back surgery, and he plans to be fully cleared before the start of training camp at the end of July, according to Richard Silva of The Detroit News. LaPorta played in only nine games in 2025 before suffering a herniated disc in his back against the Washington Commanders on Nov. 9. In addition to his rehab, the 24-year-old will be focused on trying to ink a contract extension with the Lions this offseason. LaPorta burst onto the scene in his rookie year in 2023 with 86 receptions, 889 yards, and 10 touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. He wasn't quite as good in 2024, but he still had a 60-726-7 line in 16 games. Obviously, LaPorta's production suffered in 2025 due to injury, but he'll be a prime bounce-back candidate at the TE position in 2026 for the Lions.

Friday, January 9, 3:30 PM

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) is good to go and will not carry an injury designation into his team's Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 26-year-old was limited in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday due to a knee injury, but he was able to return to full participation on Friday. Kincaid battled through multiple different injuries in 2025, recording 39 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns on 49 targets. The Bills generally split tight end reps between Kincaid, Dawson Knox, and Jackson Hawes. However, Kincaid features most heavily among all Buffalo tight ends in the passing game, and he could be the Bills' highest-upside pass-catcher overall. Fantasy managers in playoff leagues should view Kincaid as a solid tight end option entering the postseason.