Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Theo Johnson

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, November 24, 10:12 PM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson recorded three catches for 77 yards on three targets in his team's Week 12 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions. Across 12 games this season, the 24-year-old has hauled in 39 receptions for 427 yards and five touchdowns on 60 targets. While Johnson's numbers don't jump off the page, he's been extremely consistent. In his last six games, Johnson has recorded exactly three receptions five times. The Giants may be getting starting quarterback Jaxson Dart (concussion) back in Week 13 after he's missed each of their last two games due to a concussion. Across Dart's last four games before getting injured, he targeted Johnson 25 times. He lacks explosive upside, but Johnson has proven to be a high-floor fantasy tight end option who should be a waiver-wire target in leagues with 12 or more teams heading into a Week 13 matchup against the New England Patriots.