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, October 12, 11:37 AM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson (concussion) cleared concussion protocol but is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 6 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. He had previously been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices in a row. The 26-year-old has not been a major contributor in his backup role behind Tyler Higbee this year, totaling four catches, 11 yards, and a lost fumble through three games. Terrance Ferguson and Davis Allen round out the depth chart behind Higbee.