Who Should I Start? Stephen Carlson or Albert Okwuegbunam

Saturday, September 28, 9:17 PM

The Chicago Bears placed tight end Stephen Carlson (collarbone) on injured reserve Saturday ahead of their Week 4 home matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Carlson, who was just signed from the team's practice squad this past Tuesday, suffered a serious collarbone injury during Thursday's practice and will now miss at least the next four contests. The earliest he is eligible to return will be Nov. 3 -- Chicago's Week 9 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. It's a crushing blow for the 27-year-old who was slated for his first NFL action since his time back in 2020 with the Cleveland Browns. The Bears will roll out their usual three-man tight-end rotation, with Cole Kmet set to take the majority of the snaps and Gerald Everett and Marcedes Lewis working in behind him.

Saturday, October 4, 8:41 PM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam was elevated from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's meeting with the Colts. Michael Mayer (concussion) has already been ruled out, marking his second-straight absence. In addition, Brock Bowers (knee) is "trending toward not playing." If Bowers ends up missing the Week 4 matchup versus Indianapolis, Ian Thomas and Okwuegbunam could see extra looks from Geno Smith. However, neither player can be trusted from a fantasy standpoint, so managers should look in another direction for Bowers' replacement. The same can be said for rookie Carter Runyon, who hasn't done much this season.