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, September 14, 11:33 AM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson (shoulder) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Tennessee Titans. He had been listed as doubtful after missing all three practices leading up to this weekend's game. Parkinson is working his way back from an AC joint sprain that he suffered last Sunday against the Houston Texans. Parkinson was actually able to finish last week's game after receiving medical attention, but evidently, the Rams aren't going to send him onto the field for Week 2. Terrance Ferguson is active for his NFL debut and will assist in filling Parkinson's void alongside a tight end committee that also features Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen. None of these Rams tight ends can be trusted in fantasy football, but Ferguson is an intriguing stash in dynasty leagues.