Who Should I Start? Stephen Carlson or Colby Parkinson

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.

Sunday, November 30, 10:35 AM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson is riding a three-game touchdown streak and has recorded 10 receptions (11 targets) for 96 yards over that span as the team's top tight end. With Tyler Higbee (ankle) on Injured Reserve, Parkinson has taken over as the top tight end in a potent Rams offense. He has firmly established himself as a relevant option for fantasy, totaling the third most PPR points among tight ends in the last three games. The 26-year-old should be considered as a streamer again in Week 13 against a Carolina Panthers defense that has allowed the second-most receiving yards to opposing tight ends this season.