Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Jaheim Bell

Thursday, August 14, 11:13 AM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (undisclosed) will be sidelined for "a little bit of time here", according to head coach Dan Campbell. The team did not elaborate on LaPorta's injury, only that he'd be held out of joint practices with the Miami Dolphins. He will likely sit out Saturday's preseason game. Campbell said that the injury isn't a major one, so it doesn't appear like LaPorta is at risk of missing any regular-season games. Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra will move up the depth chart and work as the team's top two tight ends until LaPorta returns. The 24-year-old finished the 2024 season as the TE8 with 60 catches, 726 yards, and seven touchdowns, and is ranked as a top-five fantasy football tight end entering his third season.

Tuesday, August 20, 9:58 PM

New England Patriots rookie tight end Jaheim Bell suddenly found himself at the top of the depth chart early this week with Hunter Henry (lower body) and Austin Hooper (undisclosed) held out of practice and Mitchell Wilcox (calf) leaving practice early with his injury. Bell has taken a lot of reps and caught touchdowns from three different quarterbacks as he is making the most of the opportunity on the field with several tight ends ahead of him out for recent practice sessions. While Bell should not be drafted in fantasy football for 2024, he could be somebody to keep an eye on if injuries continue to strike the tight end room. The 23-year-old from Florida State should get plenty of work in the Patriots' final preseason game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night.