Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Harold Fannin Jr.

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.

Tuesday, November 25, 10:09 AM

Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. led the team with four catches (six targets) for 40 yards in a Week 12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. After running just 48.5% of the team's routes in Week 11, his lowest in a game since Week 5, Fannin climbed back to 66.7% in Week 12 and paced the Cleveland passing attack in Shedeuer Sanders' first career start. The rookie tight end played a season-high 89.6% of snaps and continued to showcase his exceptional tackle-breaking ability, forcing 11 missed tackles in the game, which is the most by a tight end in a game this season. Fannin mostly operates in a short area of the field to let him generate yards after the catch, and Sanders looked for him as a checkdown frequently. The upside isn't super high for Fannin in a bad Cleveland offense, but he has been their most consistent pass catcher this season. He is worthy of a waiver add in 12-team leagues for fantasy managers looking for a tight end.